InDesign CS5 Bible- P8: InDesign is a powerful tool that serves as the standard program for professional layout and design. The latest version boasts a variety of updates and enhancements. Packed with real-world examples and written by industry expert Galen Gruman, this in-depth resource clearly explains how InDesign CS5 allows for better typography and transparency features, speedier performance, and more user control than any other layout program. | Chapter 12 Applying Effects to Objects Applying feathering A similar option to drop shadows is feathering which essentially softens the edges of objects. Figures through show all three types of feathering. Applying basic feathering To apply basic feathering where the edges are blurred around all sides of an object select the Basic Feather option. The controls are simple In the Feather Width field enter a value for the degree of feathering smaller numbers have the least effect larger numbers have the most effect. The feathering area starts at the outside edge of the object so a larger number eats into the object making it a wispier version of itself. The Choke field and pop-up menu let you set where the frame edge begins to get fuzzy a value of 0 starts immediately at the object edge whereas a larger value pushes the fuzzy part into the object . The Noise field and pop-up menu let you add visual noise to the shadow making it less smooth as the value increases. The Corners pop-up menu gives you three options Sharp Rounded Diffused The Sharp option retains the original corner shape as much as possible. The Rounded option rounds the corners of the object it can distort the shape dramatically at larger Feather Width settings. The Diffused option creates a soft almost smoky effect by making the object borders and corners more translucent. FIGURE The Basic Feather pane of the Effects dialog box 305 Part III Object Fundamentals Applying directional feathering The Directional Feather controls act like a drop shadow in that there is an external light source that determines how the feathering s blur appears along an object s edges. The effect is more like a shadowy smear. The controls are similar to that of Basic Feather with these exceptions Rather than have one Width setting there are separate settings for the Top Bottom Left and Right. If the chain icon is a solid chain all edges have the same width click it to get the broken-chain icon which lets you .
