Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: i have a document (bill) which i have created in illustrator and have used the space bar to line some things up. unfortunately when it is saved as a pdf it prints and shows up on screen with lots of little boxes inbetween the text coloumns.
thanks in advance
paula

ANSWER: Hi Paula,

Instead of using spaces have you tried using the area type options to create columns (you have to make sure you have drug out a text box)? The issue with the white boxes can be related to either your particular font or the color overprinting an image below.

A simple solution is to change your type to outlines before saving as a pdf. BUT be sure to save this version as a copy in case you need to edit type later.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the quick answer kevin.

how do i use area type options?

how do i change the type to outlines?

sorry im quite a newby to illustrator.

thanks again in advance.

paula

Answer
Hi Paula,

If you are this new to AI, I would change your type to outlines first. Select your text with the selection tool, not the type tool. Then go to Type>Create Outlines (crtl+o or cmd+o mac).

Save this as another copy NOT over your original.


To create area type, click and drag out a text box with the type tool (dont just click). Then after you have the box, go to type>area type options.

Thanks

Kevin