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Centering

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JanisTX:
Let's start this discussion by me admitting that I am really bad about centering text.  I almost always start too far to the left.  I am having to center a bunch of names on some award certificates & I came up with my own solution to this problem!  It's not perfect or fool-proof, but it comes up with a result that is quite acceptable.  I use a font (Edwardian script) that is very similar to my Copperplate.  I type out the person's name, centered on the page.  (All of the names are on the same sheet of paper, resulting in a centered list.)  I adjust the font until it's approximately the size of my handwriting.  I then print the list.  I carefully fold the paper in half, vertically, so that I can determine where the center of each person's name falls.  My pinkie finger is about the size of my lower case/miniscule letters.  My index finger is about the size of my capital/majiscule letters and the space between the person's first, middle, and last name.  I put my pinky finger on the center of the line of the certificate & then start moving it to the left, once for each letter to the left of the person's middle letter.  I use my index finger for the uppercase letters and for spaces.  Once I get to the beginning letter of the person's name, I use a pencil to lightly mark the starting point.  I then letter the person's name.  I'm very critical about things being centered exactly & I am pleased with the results that I am getting.  This is a work-around that I can live with!  I hope that this helps someone else!   :)

Janis

AnasaziWrites:

--- Quote from: JanisTX on September 22, 2020, 01:09:43 PM ---Let's start this discussion by me admitting that I am really bad about centering text.  I almost always start too far to the left.  I am having to center a bunch of names on some award certificates & I came up with my own solution to this problem!  It's not perfect or fool-proof, but it comes up with a result that is quite acceptable.  I use a font (Edwardian script) that is very similar to my Copperplate.  I type out the person's name, centered on the page.  (All of the names are on the same sheet of paper, resulting in a centered list.)  I adjust the font until it's approximately the size of my handwriting.  I then print the list.  I carefully fold the paper in half, vertically, so that I can determine where the center of each person's name falls.  My pinkie finger is about the size of my lower case/miniscule letters.  My index finger is about the size of my capital/majiscule letters and the space between the person's first, middle, and last name.  I put my pinky finger on the center of the line of the certificate & then start moving it to the left, once for each letter to the left of the person's middle letter.  I use my index finger for the uppercase letters and for spaces.  Once I get to the beginning letter of the person's name, I use a pencil to lightly mark the starting point.  I then letter the person's name.  I'm very critical about things being centered exactly & I am pleased with the results that I am getting.  This is a work-around that I can live with!  I hope that this helps someone else!   :)

Janis

--- End quote ---
Gee, @JanisTX , that seems like so much work.
There is a simpler, faster, more precise way.

First, write out the names exactly as you would like them to appear on the certificate (same size, script, etc.), one per line. They don't have to be in any way centered.

2. Find the center of each name:  measure the length of each name, call it x, draw a little vertical line through the name at 1/2x from the beginning edge of the name. Measure how far the point where you begin the first stroke of the first letter of the name is, call that distance Y

3. find the center line of your certificate.

4. Write you name on the certificate , beginning at Y distance left from the centerline of the certificate. The name should be perfectly centered. 

If you are using a light box and guidelines beneath the certificate, it goes even faster. Draw a vertical line on the guide lines sheet and place it so that it is the centerline of your certificate, place the sheet with the names and their little vertical centerlines beneath the certificate such that the centerlines of the names align with the centerline of the guide sheet (and thus, certificate). Place a little pencil dot on the certificate where you begin the first letter of the name and begin writing the name on the certificate at this point. Or trace the name itself. Very quick and easy.

JanisTX:
Hi, @AnasaziWrites!  The stupid envelopes are “security lined”, so that I can’t see a guide sheet through them. My little work-around works for me!

Janis

AnasaziWrites:

--- Quote from: JanisTX on September 22, 2020, 08:37:19 PM ---Hi, @AnasaziWrites!  The stupid envelopes are “security lined”, so that I can’t see a guide sheet through them. My little work-around works for me!

Janis

--- End quote ---
Oh, so sorry. I thought you were doing certificates. Glad to hear what works for you. Rock on.

Erica McPhee:
I do the same with a font. But I have a question ... instead of trying to measure with your fingers, why not draw the side lines for the edge of the envelope/certificate/or what-have-you down the paper. Then fold the paper behind itself horizontally just at the top of each name and then just mark where it starts on the envelope? Unfold and then fold for the next name?  :)

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