jumpink 2 Posted June 6, 2012 I have to install some vinyl this weekend. The text has a drop shadow. I have seen differnt ways that others lay a drop shadow and I wondered if one way was superior to the other? I have included an image to better explain. The top numbers have a drop shadow and an outline that encompasses the red letters. The red letters would most likely be layered ontop of the drop shadow vinyl. The bottom image has the drop shadow outside of the red letters seperated by a small space. No layering is necessary. Do you guys/gals have an opinion as to which method is better and why, or does it come down to design preference? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted June 6, 2012 I prefer the top method... It's easier to work with if you do the shadow WITH backing... It gives you a little more room for error when layering and in my opinion it has a better over all look to it..... From a distance I think it reads better. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dragonduster 4 Posted June 6, 2012 the white gap wont be seen when watching from distance (depends on how far away) and how big the numbers are, but the above one gives you a more bold numbers and would look better close giving it a better shadow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted June 6, 2012 Top one is easier to read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted June 6, 2012 I agree , but I think everybody including me is assuming it is going on a white background . If on a different color . it should be totally different as far as looks & readability . I like more of a shawdow in either case . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dragonduster 4 Posted June 6, 2012 I agree , but I think everybody including me is assuming it is going on a white background . If on a different color . it should be totally different as far as looks & readability . I like more of a shawdow in either case . actually i was thinking it would be in a window or clear door, since its a phone number but could be in a truck or something like that too hehehe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpink 2 Posted June 6, 2012 Sorry I should have mentioned that it is going on a white truck. One more question, I am going to use Oracal 751. I have only used 651 and I like the way it handles. Can I expect anything different from the 751? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted June 6, 2012 I prefer the top method... It's easier to work with if you do the shadow WITH backing... It gives you a little more room for error when layering and in my opinion it has a better over all look to it..... From a distance I think it reads better. I agree. Unless you just like making things harder than they need to be,go with the top method. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted June 6, 2012 Sorry I should have mentioned that it is going on a white truck. One more question, I am going to use Oracal 751. I have only used 651 and I like the way it handles. Can I expect anything different from the 751? 751 works much better its easier to work with and last longer. Installing on flat surfaces you may not notice a huge difference but with wrapping contours is when it plays a large part. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpink 2 Posted June 7, 2012 Thanks for the responses. Do you use app juice with 751 or do you prefer to apply dry? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted June 8, 2012 Sorry I should have mentioned that it is going on a white truck. One more question, I am going to use Oracal 751. I have only used 651 and I like the way it handles. Can I expect anything different from the 751? If you like 651 you will love 751 the cast works great Dan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Double A 6 Posted June 10, 2012 How do you guys do that shadow text in inkscape? Also do you guys use difference to make that top layer fit inside the bottom text or just lay it over the top? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites