User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide
SpriteEffects
In Canvas, you could always modify objects with image-editing techniques — if you converted the
objects to images; however, you lost the ability to edit vector paths and text. Also, applying filters
and adjustments would change an image permanently. The Canvas SpriteEffects technology lets you
apply image filters and adjustments to vector objects, images, text, and grouped objects.
You can apply effects temporarily, adjust effects settings, change the order of effects, and hide or
remove effects individually. You don’t have to use Undo or save intermediate versions to preserve an
original illustration, since objects remain editable. You can still edit object paths, insert and delete
text, as well as change inks and strokes.
When SpriteEffects are printed or exported to file formats outside of Canvas, the effects are rendered
as images. This is like taking a snapshot of the objects and printing the resulting image. In your
Canvas documents, the objects keep their original editing features.
Before SpriteEffects, commands such as Blur, Hue/Saturation, Invert, Emboss, Twirl, and many
others could be applied to paint objects (images) only. SpriteEffects technology offers new power
and flexibility for creative art, technical illustration, and graphics production.
Introduction to SpriteEffects
SpriteEffects technology was introduced to allow for the easy creation and placement of fully-editable
transparency effects to text, images, and vector objects within Canvas. Remember all SpriteEffects
can be edited and reapplied at will at any time during the design process.
Using SpriteEffects
There are two ways to use SpriteEffects:
Apply effects directly to objects: Apply image effects and adjustment commands directly
to vector, text, paint, and group objects. You could apply the Blur command to a text object,
then use the Hue/Saturation command to highlight the text edges with color for example.
When you apply effects directly, an entire object, including its fill ink, pen ink, and stroke, is
affected.
Apply effects to lens objects:Create a lens object from a vector or text object. Then, apply
effects to the lens. The effects will appear on objects that are viewed through the lens.
Lenses can magnify objects and view objects in other locations. If you move the viewpoint of
a lens, whatever is behind the viewpoint will appear in the lens. If you move the lens, the
viewpoint can remain fixed or move with the lens. See "Creating a lens" on page 659.
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