Using the Text Box
Choose the Text Box tool, and optionally choose a text style from the Symbols palette. Click on your drawing canvas to place the text box, or click and drag to define the text box. Start typing to add text.
Simple text is used for placing title text, subtitles, notes, and similar free-text on your map. Pre-defined text styles can be applied from the Symbols palette, or the text can be edited and stylized directly through the Object Inspector or Fonts panel.
HINT: Remember to stay organized with layers. Consider adding a layer to hold your map’s title and text information. If titles and other text need to be displayed in the margins outside of the map area, remember to uncheck Layer > Clip Objects To Map Area from the main menu.
To place a sized text box, click and drag while placing the text box. Double-click the text box to enable text editing. Edit text in a box at any time by double-clicking it to enable editing, or through the Object Inspector.
When text extends beyond the confines of the text box an indicator “+” is shown in the lower right-hand corner of the text box prompting you to enlarge it.
CLOSER LOOK! Text in a box will not be visible if the font size is larger than the text box. Use the sizing handles on the text box to make it bigger, or right-click the text box and choose “Fit To Text.”
Text On Path
Ortelius makes curved text beautiful and easy. A bit of practice is all it takes to give your curved text an expert look.
Choose the Text On Path tool, and optionally choose a text style from the Symbols palette. Click on your drawing canvas to place the starting point for your text on a path. If desired, hold the left mouse button down and drag the curve handle outward. Release the mouse button and continue placing points along the curve. Double click (or hit ESC on the keyboard) to end. Use the curve handles to adjust the curves.
It is a good practice to keep your text curves simple. With only two points you can create smooth c-shaped and s-shaped curves simply by adjusting the points themselves (the orange dots) and the curve handles (the blue squares). The longer the curve handles, the steeper your curve. Experiment by moving the curve handles around and altering the shape of the curve.
Double-click along the path to enable editing. Edit text on a path at any time by double-clicking the path to enable editing, or select it and use the Object Inspector. Use the methods described above (see Text Box) to change text on path styling.
To quickly change text styles, select the text box or path by clicking on it once and choose a pre-defined text style from the Symbols palette. The Font panel can also be used to change the appearance of text.
Editing Text and Text Properties in the Object Inspector
The Object Inspector provides a controlled environment for text box editing, styling, layout, alignment and advanced styling. Advanced styling includes text outline and text mask. Text outline and masking are particularly useful for making text stand out on top of dark, colored, or complex backgrounds. Masking can be any color as well as semi-transparent, and the size of the mask is fully adjustable.
Setting Outlined and Masked Text in the Object Inspector
Advanced styling includes text outline and text mask. Text outline and masking are particularly useful for making text stand out on top of dark, colored, or complex backgrounds. Masking can be any color as well as semi-transparent, and the size of the mask is fully adjustable.
