Expert: Amy - 1/8/2008

Question
Hi, I have been using Gimp to create labels and I just bought CS3. I would like to set a 3.875" x 2.625" template and fill it in with a background color before I place a logo/text. I know this sounds pretty basic, but I'm having trouble filling in the entire template with a background color. Also, how do I fill in the spaces of a logo with the background color? Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Ali,

You need to draw a rectangle behind your artwork, maybe the size of the entire page, and fill it with your background colors. Tips: Create it on a separate layer behind the rest of your artwork and lock the layer.

The second part of your question is more difficult to answer. I think what you mean is that the white spaces of your logo are not transparent. That depends totally on what file format the logo is to begin with.

If you have CS3, you can to use the Live Trace tool to re-create the logo and make sure the whites are transparent.
Live trace has several presets you can try for different results. Your results will depend on the complexity of your logo.

If you are new to AI, this might be hard, but you can also create a clipping mask over your artwork to mask the white areas. Instructions for doing this can be found all over the internet! This is usually what a graphic designer would do for more complex logos that Live Trace can't re-create.

I hope this helps!
Amy