After reading some of the successes members have been having with inlay, I am trying some experiments. I have specifically been doing tests on inlay text. My problem is in generating the offset curve for the inlay text. I want to cut about .003 oversize from the text curve.
Previously I attempted to use the contour tool. The problem I had (and has been noted on the forum) is that this tool generates hundreds of nodes on the offset curves, especially in areas of tight curves. The slider tool does not help (it reduces nodes but distorts the curve.) Manually deleting nodes is impossible and also can distort.
I few users got me trying the “Outline to Object” procedure as follows: Outline the shape (text converted to curves) in a line double the required offset. (Use .006 line for.003 offset). Then convert outline to object.
I have not had complete success. When I convert, the shape is usually filled oddly indicative of improper closure of shapes. I change fill to “no fill”, convert outline width to .00001”. Then it at least looks okay on the screen. Since the inside line and outside line are one curve, I need to break apart to isolate the outside line only. When I do this, I see that there are many breaks in the outside offset curve that I want to isolate. It may consist of several segments. (Applies to inside curve as well but that is discarded.) To select these parts, re-combine, and node edit (combine two nodes to one) is time consuming and prone to error.
Does CorelDraw X3 do a better job of the Outline to Object conversion? I am using V11. Any improvements in the contour function in Corel X3? Any other ideas?