creating Complex Mask with Text

[steve_grunyk@adobeforums.com]

IDCS -- I'm trying to create a complex mask to place over a 4/C photo of a person (head/shoulders shot). That mask is to be created from text--ie a very long, copy-heavy paragraph (hundreds of tightly packed, tightly leaded characters).

The idea is that when the mask is complete you can still read the text while making out
the completely discernable 4/C features of that person masked by the text. Incidentally, the photo is an outlined shot so that there is a very definate line between the persons shape and the white background .

If anyone can actually understand the above problem I describe and has a solution, please help.

[Gerald_Singelmann@adobeforums.com]

If you can make absolutely sure that every character is covered by the image you could try the following:

fill the text with 100-100-100-100
fill the text frame with 0-0-0-0
put the image on top
set the image to lighten or screen

no need to convert the text to paths when using this way

gerald

[Jay_Chevako@adobeforums.com]

That type of effect works best with headlines using very large type in a
nice bold or extrabold font.
Using small text will create legibility problem, especially over the
white background.

I would try this in photoshop, using the type as a mask.
Jay

[steve_grunyk@adobeforums.com]

Thanks guys -- Very helpful.