Carrara Text " Silkscreen"

Box8068_31c338ee4b

Hey everybody.
I am trying to use Carrara text like a silkscreen on objects I model in carrara.
I know I can generate the text in a graphics program and use a texture map, but that adds work, it a PITA to scale and is a headache if used over another shader like brushed aluminum.
So when I use Carrara the issue I have is this. I set the font very small, and it's depth like .01 inches, so it doesn't cast any shadows.
At this point collision detection doesn't work so placing the text is another issue. It's very hard to tell if is just above the object, or just sinking in which reduces clarity any suggestions. I really would prefer to not create a separate graphics element with alpha channel and apply that, I've done it and scaling is a issue and so is scaling the " Sticker" . It is so much easier to just apply text in Carrara.
Anything I'm missing? I'm using Carrara 8.1 Pro.
Thanks
8068

wetcircuit

8068 said:

Hey everybody.
I am trying to use Carrara text like a silkscreen on objects I model in carrara.
I know I can generate the text in a graphics program and use a texture map, but that adds work, it a PITA to scale and is a headache if used over another shader like brushed aluminum.
So when I use Carrara the issue I have is this. I set the font very small, and it's depth like .01 inches, so it doesn't cast any shadows.
At this point collision detection doesn't work so placing the text is another issue. It's very hard to tell if is just above the object, or just sinking in which reduces clarity any suggestions. I really would prefer to not create a separate graphics element with alpha channel and apply that, I've done it and scaling is a issue and so is scaling the " Sticker" . It is so much easier to just apply text in Carrara.
Anything I'm missing? I'm using Carrara 8.1 Pro.
Thanks
8068

You could scale you model up, apply the text, group and scale back down.

you can turn off the text's ability to cast shadows, so even as it hovers above the surface it will not create a drop shadow....

Box8068_31c338ee4b

Holly
Thanks
I had forgotten about turn off shadows . That really helps.
8068

dot_bat

you shouldnt use an object if you want it to look brushed on or silkscreened. try the text as an image and use multi-layer or multi-layered element under operators

3DAGE

HI 8068 :)

You can use the "Layer" tools, in the shader room, to draw a layer directly onto the surface of your object, in the little preview window.

Doing that, creates a Layer in your shader,. and you can add an image (texture map) or colours to that layer,. (the image can be any size)

this doesn't effect the original texture or shader applied to your object,.

HI Dot Bat :)

The multilayer, and multilayer element,.. is a good suggestion, but it's only available in the C8.5 beta

wetcircuit

8068 said:

...I really would prefer to not create a separate graphics element with alpha channel and apply that, I've done it and scaling is a issue and so is scaling the " Sticker" . It is so much easier to just apply text in Carrara.

8068 said he would rather do it inside Carrara, for the reasons listed above.

Other reasons to do it in Carrara rather than using an imported graphic would be so there would be no resolution issues, or stretching of the text. He retains full control over the text with in the scene.

Always more than 1 way to skin a cat. ;)

Box8068_31c338ee4b

Hey everybody, thanks for you help.
I have both ways working. The images below In the White on grey silkscreen is done using a Image sticker.
It was a bit of a bear to get it right but I did discover something interesting, it is a great way to punch a window in a object depending on how the alpha channel is set. Can do a very cool touch screen display look. The second image with black text does work great with " Casts shadows turned off. It's just careful placement but I was able to get the text thick enough to use collision detection.
Thanks Again
8068