Color fill - texture, pattern?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Color fill - texture, pattern?

Hello, I've recently bought my first macbook so I'm new to everything.
So obviously I was using Microsoft word before for word-processing and I'm now playing with Pages 09 on my mac.

My question is - say, when I create a square using Shape, I can fill it with color, but it doesn't have texture or patten fill like MS Word does.(like dots or stripes) I'm kind of bummed about that since I would use the pattern fill all the time on Word when I used it for my crafts. Or am I just missing it somewhere?

macbook, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Jun 1, 2009 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

mariyna Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 1, 2009 7:25 PM in response to PeterBreis0807

Peter, while I appreciate your answering, I didn't need you to tell me it's an ugly technique. Some people like me still use an old technique that you discarded 2 decades ago and I didn't know new way.

That's why I asked here. geez

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Answer 2

Jun 1, 2009 7:11 PM in response to mariyna

You can just make a file filled with these patterns and copy and paste or drag it into any shape in Pages.

Once inserted in the shape you can choose to tile the image to fill.

What you are requesting however is an ugly technique which I thought had been discarded 2 decades ago.

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Answer 3

mariyna Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 1, 2009 8:20 PM in response to PeterBreis0807

I thought it was mean! well anyway thank you for still helping 🙂

You know right now I just wanted to make a card. Make a square, fill it with color with pattern as a background, then a text over it.

What do you mean though it is too busy? If I use light colors those stripes or dots can be not so loud background like this? http://www.neosho.k12.mo.us/teacher_pages/hartsara/baby%20pink%20polka%20dot%20b ackground.png

How do you make a background like that on Pages? Do you download a pattern from other sources and insert it?

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Answer 4

Jun 1, 2009 9:22 PM in response to mariyna

I can't get at that link, but I can imagine the effect you are trying to achieve.

Patterns, particularly these hard edge bitmaps, should be used sparingly. Particularly when used behind text. When they are used they are subtle and created in PhotoShop or the like or as vector graphics from programs like Illustrator, then brought into Pages.

There is a very good reason books are not printed on wallpaper. When you do use background images and patterns, designers usually work hard at ensuring a buffer between the two, preferring smooth backgrounds with contrasting colors and tones.

The usual technique is to have a white or black dropshadow to visually lift the text off the textured surface. The text should also be very bold to stand out and be legible. Mostly though it is a questionable technique and does nothing for the design.

I mentioned that it was an old feature, because it dates back to when many monitors were black & white and printers were dot-matrix or B&W laserprinters that could not reproduce even tones or even greys. Really it is a software solution to a problem you wish you didn't have.

Peter

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Answer 5

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Jun 1, 2009 5:46 PM in response to mariyna

Select shape > Inspector > Graphic > Fill >the drop down arrow gives you many options including patterns. You can use any pattern you have saved anywhere on your Mac.
S.

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Answer 6

Brie Fly

Level 5

7,925 points

Jun 1, 2009 5:51 PM in response to mariyna

If you look at the Graphic Inspector with your shape selected, you've got six fill options. If you've got your own pattern swatches available, choose the image fill and follow the prompts.

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Answer 7

mariyna Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 1, 2009 6:30 PM in response to mariyna

hmmmmm

I see different types of gradient fill but not patterns like dots, stripes like these??
http://www.uwec.edu/help/Office07/Images/Dialog/filleffpattern.gif

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Answer 8

Jun 1, 2009 7:41 PM in response to mariyna

I apologise.

Out of curiosity what do you use it for?

It is very busy and I can not imagine you using it as a background.

Peter

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Answer 9

Jun 1, 2009 7:46 PM in response to mariyna

btw If you want to learn up on Pages' features, DL the Pages09_UserGuide.pdf available from under the Help menu.

P.

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