LINES + BOXES

Frames

I prefer to call these borders, which makes more sense, since the keystroke shortcut to assign them is command B.
A frame is a rule of one style or another around a text or picture box. To assign a border, select the box and choose “frames” from the Item menu (command B).

Unless you specify a point size for the border, it won’t show up—by default, all boxes have a border set to zero points.

If you really, really need to put a border around a box for some reason, make sure you also use the Item > modify (command M) dialog box to specify a text inset so the text doesn’t slam into the edges.

Truly, the only time I use this feature is to put a hairline rule around a picture box that needs some definition. To create a hairline border, use a measurement of .5 points.

A text box with a frame/border and no text inset specified (left); a text box with a text inset specified (right).

A framed picture box doesn't need an inset.

Specify a stroke width, or it won't show up.

Dashes and Stripes

There are eleven different styles of stripes included in XPress. Once you’ve drawn a line, you can use either the Style menu or the measurements palette to apply a style and thickness, and whether you want arrows at one or both ends. Use the color palette to assign a color other than the default black.

Some of the line styles, especially those that have two or more lines, need to have a width of at least 2 points before they’ll really show up.

To edit or create a new dash or stripe, select Dashes and Stripes from the edit menu.

Selecting edit or create new pulls up a funky window that allows you to specify the thickness and position of lines, or the shape and spacing of dashes.

In the example to the right, three stripes were created by typing a position in terms of percent (30%) and then clicking the add button. Once you’ve added a stripe, you can adjust its position and thickness in the upper window.

Selecting a miter style affects the corners if the style is applied as a border around a text or picture box.

Use the "edit stripe" dialog box to add custom border designs.

Use the "edit dash" dialog box to add custom dashes. Click in the ruler, and click and drag the ends to create dash elements.