Snagit 9 Tutorial:
Text
Learn to use the Text tool to add transparent text boxes to the canvas.
In this tutorial, learn how to:
Use the Text tool
to create vector-based text on the image. Control text font, size, style, layout, drop shadow, antialiasing, color, frame, box style and fill color.
To use this tool:
- Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Text tool.
- Select a style from the Styles group.
- Drag the mouse on the canvas to create text box.
- Enter the text and select the font properties.
- Click OK.
Select a Style from the Quick Style Gallery
- Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Text tool.
- Select Styles group > More button
.
- Select the text style from the Quick Styles Gallery.

Select the Text Color from Colors on the Canvas
- Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Text tool.
- Drag the mouse on the canvas to create text box.
- Select Styles group > Outline > Select color from image.
- Enter the text and select the font properties.
- Click OK.
-Or-
- Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Text tool.
- Drag the mouse on the canvas to create text box.
- Hold the <CTRL> key and use the eyedropper to select a color from the canvas.
- Release the <CTRL> key after color selection.
- Enter the text and select the font properties.
- Click OK.
Pick a Custom Text Color
- Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Text tool.
- Select Styles group > Fill option > More Fill Colors > Colors task pane.
- Select a color from the Standard or Custom tab. Click OK.
- Drag the mouse on the canvas to create text box.
- Enter the text and select the font properties.
- Click OK.
Move or Resize a Text Box
- To move a text box, click down on the center of the box and drag to a new location.
- Use the white handles to change the height and width of the text box.
Set the Text Transparency Level
Transparency is the ability to see through the text.
- Click a text box on the canvas to give it focus.
- Select Styles group > Effects > Transparency > Select the transparency level or click Custom to enter a specific percentage.
Add, Remove, or Customize the Text Shadow
Click a text box on the canvas to give it focus.
- To add a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Select the shadow effect using the icons.
- To remove a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > No Shadow icon.
- To add a custom shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Click More Shadows. Use the options in the Drop Shadow task pane to create a custom look. Click OK.
Add Custom Text to the Quick Styles Gallery
The Quick Styles Gallery is used to save custom text styles so they can be reused.
- Click a text box on the canvas to give it focus.
- Right-click the arrow.
- From the popup menu, click Add to Quick Styles. The callout is now available in the Quick Styles Gallery.

Antialising for Smooth Lines
Antialiasing is a technique used to make lines appear smooth. Without antialiasing being applied, object edges will appear jagged. The antialiasing option is turned to “on” for all of Editor’s vector-based tools.
To turn antialiasing on or off:
- Click a text box on the canvas to give it focus.
- Select Styles group > Effects > Antialias.