CompuServe Thread – CompuServe test bed

Autodesk Multimedia Forum · Hware/OpSys/video

#Drop Shadows

18 messages in this thread

#100166From: Scott LawrenceMay 5, 1994 4:49 PM

Can somebody tell me what is the easiest way to create drop shadows for text?

#100188From: Yost GroupMay 5, 1994 6:43 PM

Depends on the type of shadows you want. If you want to imitate a 2D package, create your text in the 2D Shaper, then put it into the 3D Editor with the Create/Object Get Shape command. Next, duplicate the text and move the duplicate behind and offset from the other. Assign a self-illuminated material of any color you like (or a texture map) to the front text, and black matte (or whatever shadow color you want) to the back text specify a background, and then render from an orthographic view. If you want semi- transparent shadows, assign a material to your shadow text. For a more realistic drop shadow, you could eliminate the second text object, put the first text object in front of a flat object for a background, light it with a spotlight, and let the spotlight cast the shadows. – Jack

#100489From: Scott LawrenceMay 8, 1994 6:06 AM

Thanks much, Jack!

#100196From: John EllisMay 5, 1994 7:17 PM

Just to add another "common look" to Jack's suggestions, here's another style. Go ahead and loft the text as usual, and then "select" just the back "faces" of the text and move just the "selected" faces to the right and down. Then as Jack suggests render in an orthographic view (front). You can also add transparency to the sides if you need that effect also. -JE

#100490From: Scott LawrenceMay 8, 1994 6:06 AM

Thanks, John! btw, I noticed you logged-on at 3:00 A.M. Sunday. Are you a member of the 3DS Insomniacs SIG? Scott

#100530From: John EllisMay 8, 1994 3:17 PM

>> I noticed you logged-on at 3:00 A.M. Sunday. Are you a member of the 3DS Insomniacs SIG? << I think its more like the 3DS Fantatics Club <g>. Its a easy club to join once you have 3DS. All you have to do is look up and notice that its after midnight and log on to ASOFT. <BG> No dues and little recognition, but a warm feeling that comes from the realization that you really enjoy what you're doing. 🙂 -JE

#100574From: Scott LawrenceMay 9, 1994 12:35 AM

I couldn't agree with you more. Besides, who needs sleep…that's what coffee's for!

#100652From: John EllisMay 9, 1994 10:41 AM

>>… that's what coffee's for. << Aye… and I drink a fair amount of it. <g> BTW are you in California? -JE

#100814From: Scott LawrenceMay 10, 1994 5:13 AM

Si' Senior! I'm in Calabasas since my home was shaken to death by the Quake. Still in the process of picking up the pieces. Truly a nightmare! Where are you located? (Far away from the San Fernando Valley, I hope). -scott

#100876From: John EllisMay 10, 1994 11:59 AM

Calabasas – isn't that a great name?! <g> I'm in beach town San Diego, we felt the rolling thunder but fortuneately no damage. I emphathize, earthquakes are nightmarish. Gives new meaning to the expression "rattling your cage". <g> -JE

#101345From: Scott LawrenceMay 12, 1994 4:32 PM

Precisely! Gives new meaning to the term "Rock 'n Roll"! To be honest, I thought I was going to die. Still in the process of replacing equipment, renting an apartment (and I still get to pay morgage) while what's left of my condo is sitting in limbo, as the insurance company refuses to come up with $10 Million to complete repairs. The complex still looks like a war zone! Speaking of replacing equipment, what brand Monitor do you recommend? (I'm definetely going to bolt it to the desk this time). Thanks, -scott- P.S. Are you a member of Alan I's 3D Posse?

#101389From: John EllisMay 12, 1994 9:11 PM

Scott, Sounds like you've got your hands more than full! >> Gives new meaning to the term "Rock 'n Roll"! << No kidding. Last time it was Roll Roll Roll! <g> I really like the Panasonic BT-H1350y. Its got all the goodies including 750 lines of resolution, Beta, MII, SVHS, RGB Composite inputs, a monitor speaker, blue gun etc. and a good price. I like the Sony line too but this monitor suits me. >> P.S. Are you a member of Alan I's 3D Posse. << No, I'm a reclusive maverick with my posse forays limited to ASOFT. <g> -JE

#100200From: ALAN IGLESIASMay 5, 1994 7:22 PM

A shadow-casting light-source should be a great place to start, Scott. Sorry, but no "quick-fixes" for this come to me right now. -Alan Iglesias

#100233From: John EllisMay 6, 1994 4:10 AM

Seems to me Jack had it right on the money, the other variety I explained. -JE

#100491From: Scott LawrenceMay 8, 1994 6:06 AM

Thanks, Alan. btw, where exactly is El Cajon? I'd like to come to one of your User's Group Meetings sometime. -Scott

#100591From: ALAN IGLESIASMay 9, 1994 2:03 AM

It's about 15-20 minutes east of San Diego off of I-8, Scott. We just had our May meeting, in which we talked about new and upcoming IPAS3 routines from Gary's group and other places like Schreiber and Digimation. If you are interested in details, let me know and I will Email you my phone number. Actually, if you are in the SD area, you'll find the number in Computor Edge in the User Group section. -Alan

#100813From: Scott LawrenceMay 10, 1994 5:05 AM

Thanks, Alan. Although I live in the San Fernando Valley, I'm in San Diego quite a bit. Next time I visit I'll look you up. -scott

#100909From: ALAN IGLESIASMay 10, 1994 2:15 PM

Feel free, Scott. -Alan