This is the final part of this series of easy guides to FontSlab and it illustrates the two effects that are used least often.

There is also a zipped Resources folder to accompany this guide which includes:

Copasetic_GoldStrap_letters_only custom font file
spirangle path path file
top oval path path file
bottom oval path path file



Unpack the resources folder and save it to your preferred location. The path files should be imported to the images (I used a new image size of 1000x800) you create for this project.

Repeated Text Effect

Fire up the Gimp and add the spirangle path to your image either by using the path tool or by importing the relevant path file from the path tool dock.

This option simply repeats the available text as many times as it can along the current path. It can take a while to calculate the number of repeats with longer paths so a 'Working...' message is displayed to indicate the status of this option.

Call up the FontSlab dialog:

Filters>>Custom Font Tools>>FontSlab v0.12

Choose your custom font and set the ‘Use custom font’ option to ‘Yes’.

Enter your text (with a trailing space character).

Set the ‘Repeat text’ option to ‘Yes’.

If you are using the spirangle path from the resources folder, set the ‘Text size step’ option to a small value.

Hit 'OK' when ready.

The repeated text option works with most of the other options so feel free to try different combinations of options along the path.

My 'experiment' example below uses a gradual increasing text size step with a rotating jitter amount of 90.



Reversed Character Options

This option was created for one specific purpose; to draw letters as they would look from behind, as if they were placed on the far side of a circle. If you need to do this you will find the option useful.

My example deals with the text ‘STONES’ placed on the far side of a circle (viewed as an oval). Add a suitable path to your image (or use the top oval path from the Resources supplied).

Open FontSlab

Set the font size value of 180 and enter the text.

Set the ‘As Reversed Writing’ option to ‘Yes’.

Set the ‘Adjust spacing’ value to 85 in order to pad the characters out along the path.

Press ‘OK’.



To complete the illusion, of course, we need to add the 'STANDING' text on the near side of the circle.