-------------------------------------------------- What is Quadrex? -------------------------------------------------- Quadrex is a revolutionary new font from Chuck Davis and Letterhead Fonts. Comprised of 5 individual layers, Quadrex takes the concept of prismatic fonts to new heights. Simply by overlaying these different layers on top of the Quadrex BASE font, one can easily create a realistic 3D effect that is completely vector. Thereby eliminating the complications associated with raster images. The end result is no less than traffic-stopping. And getting there was half the fun! -------------------------------------------------- How to Use Quadrex to Achieve 3D Effects -------------------------------------------------- Also see the Flash tutorial on the site: http://letterheadfonts.com/fonts/quadrex.shtml 1) Install all 5 Quadrex fonts and begin by typing your desired text using the "Quadrex BASE" font 2) Kern and space your text. It is important that you do this now, since there will not be an opportunity later. 3) Duplicate your text 4 times so that you now a total of 5 copies of your text. 4) Choose a light color for the original text Choose a slightly darker color for second copy Choose a still darker color for third copy Choose the darkest color for the fourth copy Choose white for your fifth copy 5) Leave your original text set as "LHF Quadrex BASE". This will serve as your base on which you will place the other layers. Change the second copy to "LHF Quadrex LEFT" Change the third copy to "LHF Quadrex RIGHT" Change the fourth copy to "LHF Quadrex BOTTOM" Change the fifth copy to "LHF Quadrex HIGHLIGHT" 6) Convert each layer to curves (or paths) so that it is no longer editable text. Proceed to position each of the copies on top of your original text. Placing them in the correct positions is critical. For example, the "LHF Quadrex LEFT" layer would naturally be positioned on the left side of "LHF Quadrex BASE". There's really only one way the layers will fit properly when placed on top, so it should be self-explanatory. But I encourage you to see the examples on the site. 7) You have now created a striking 3D effect! Add a dark outline behind for contrast. -------------------------------------------------- Notes and Tips -------------------------------------------------- 1) If kerning is needed, you must do this before making your copies at step 3. Otherwise the layers will not match up properly. 2) These instructions and the Flash tutorial on the site illustrate a 3D effect using a light source coming from the top left. This is my personally preferred method. I have always felt that applying a shadow to the left side of a letter hinders the readability. The eye must "hurdle" over the dark area before deciphering the actual letter. The eye naturally reads left to right, top to bottom. Placing lighter colors on the left and top makes it easier for the eye to "ease" into the letter. This is only my opinion and you are free to disagree. 3) Choose your colors carefully. Pick 4 related colors, varying in shades from light to dark ahead of time. The end result is very dependant on the contrast of these colors! Lighter colors seem to work best, as opposed to darker colors. My favorites are yellows/oranges and yellow/greens. Try varying shades of gray too-- you'll be surprised. 4) It is important that you support the message by providing some kind of background. Either in the way of a bold outline or a contrasting background. Otherwise the effect will not be easily seen. 5) Quadrex has been designed to "bounce" too. By that I mean, if you type your text while alternating uppercase and lowercase with each letter-- you will create a BoUnCiNg EfFeCt. This is because the uppercase characters are set higher than the lowercase. (Of course there are no real uppercase or lowercase letters strictly speaking.) 6) Quadrex is bold and commands attention so don't try to steal it's thunder by coupling it with another bold font. (It's selfish that way) Instead, use lighter, thinner fonts in conjunction with Quadrex. For example, our Sofia Script font looks excellent when used with Quadrex. -------------------------------------------------- We hope you enjoy Quadrex and find many good uses for it. Let us know if you have any questions or need assistance with Quadrex. Visit the "Contact" page on the website. Thanks, --Chuck Chuck Davis, President Letterhead Fonts support@letterheadfonts.com www.letterheadfonts.com -------------------------------------------------- Quadrex is a trademark of Letterhead Fonts Copyright 2005,2006 Letterhead Fonts All rights reserved.