Customizing the Text Box

To access the customization features available for the text box, click on the text box in your timeline chart. This will open the Text Box, Format tab. In this tab you can choose the font, along with its size, formatting and color, as well as the text box shape with its fill, outline and effects. As you select customization options, the text box will automatically update with your preferences.

In this article

• Customizing the font
• Selecting the text box shape and fill
• Formatting the outline
• Choosing effects
  

Customizing the font

To customize the text box font:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Text group, change the font settings as desired.
   

Selecting the text box shape and fill

To change the text box shape:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click on the desired shape.
   

To select a single color for the text box shape fill:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click the down arrow beside Shape Fill.
3. Choose a color from either the Theme Colors (drawn from the theme currently in use), Standard Colors, or click More Colors to choose a custom color.
   

To use a gradient for the text box shape fill:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click the down arrow beside Shape Fill, and select Gradient.
3. At the top of the Gradient dialog, select the two colors you wish to use.
4. Select a gradient style, then click OK.
   

To use a picture for the text box shape fill:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click the down arrow beside Shape Fill, and select Picture.
3. In the Picture dialog, choose one of the graphics included with Timeline Maker Pro, or click the Browse button to browse to and select a picture from your own collection.
4. Select the down arrow at the top of the dialog box to choose how the picture will be displayed. Options include: Maintain Aspect, Stretch, or Tile.
5. If you wish, select Watermark to lighten the picture to a watermark.
6. Click the OK button.
   

Tip: If you wish to leave the text box shape fill blank, select No Fill in the Shape Fill drop down list.

Formatting the outline

To customize the text box shape outline:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click the down arrow beside Shape Outline.
3. Select the Color, Size and Style as desired.
   

Choosing effects

To customize the text box shape effects:

1. Click on the text box. This will open the Text Box, Format tab.
2. In the Shape group, click the down arrow beside Shape Effects.
3. Click Bevel or Shadow and select the desired options.