3D text techniques

Q
"Is there a way to create 3D text in Fireworks? Do i need a plug-in or additional filter?"__Michael L.

There are at least four ways to emulate 3D text in Fireworks. We'll go through two of them here.

The first method, the result of which you see to the left, is to add a stroke to the text in a contrasting color, and with the text selected, hold down the Alt key while holding down the up, down, right, or left arrow keys. Remove the Stroke from the uppermost copy.

The second method is a bit more complex but enables you to extrude the text at an angle and add some interesting color effects.

Type out you text and convert it to a symbol (Insert > Convert to Symbol). When the Symbol properties dialog box opens, select Graphic for type and click on OK. Drag an instance of the text from the Library onto the canvas.

Enlarge one of the instances with the Transform tool. Arrange the other instance on top of the enlarged instance, then move it up or down, to the right or to the left.

Select one of the instances and add a Color Fill effect (Effect panel: Adjust Color > Color Fill).

Select the the other Instance and add the Color Fill effect, using either a different color or a lighter or darker shade of the same color.

In both cases I have used the Normal Blending Mode, but feel free to experiment with other Blending Modes.

Shift + select both instances of the text and choose Modify > Symbol > Tween Instances.

In the Tween Instances dialog box, choose 50 frames (or more) and leave Distribute to Frames unchecked. Click on OK.

To finish, I've selected the top instance and broken it from the Library symbol by choosing Modify > Symbol > Break apart. I've then changed its color and moved it 1 pixel up and 1 pixel to the right.

Note that this technique is pretty RAM hungry. Unless you have a really powerful machine, this technique is best used on small objects. If you will be working on the canvas a bit longer, draw a cursor box around your extruded text object, choose Modify > Group, and then Modify > Convert to Bitmap. Clear the History file.