When working with shields that have crossbars, like the Interstate shield, is there a simple way to get the numerals properly centered in the bottom half of the image? I've tried setting up multiple artboards and I just can't get it quite right. I've looked through the MUTCD and they give out dimensions but I think it's more for sign making software.
I'm using Flash and not Illustrator, but I do locate the numerals according to the MUTCD specs.
... in a sort of redneck way, though. Since the top of the text box is higher than the top of the capitals and numerals (extra space for accentuated characters), I convert a text sample to vectors and calculate how much I need to subtract to get the top of the text box. Then I align the text properly by just inputting the value from the spec (well, after conversion) in the 'Y' box.
Another way is to put a construction line (drag the top ruler down... but make sure rulers are on first ;p I think they're off by default.) to the height that the spec wants and visually align the numerals using that.
Just quickly tried both techniques in Illustrator. Seems to work.
Well, I sort of got it to work. I did something similar to what you do... I subtracted the bottommost pixel from the topmost pixel that defined the lower half that I wanted to place the numerals into. I then divided the difference by half to get roughly the center point, then I had to add 100 to that because my numerals are 200 px high and was aligning the centermost pixel, hence 100 px on each side. But then that made things too low, so I then divided that by half (aka subtracted 50 px) and ended up getting something that looks centered.
What I would do on Inkscape is create a square representing the space I wanted to center the numeral in, and then select both it and my text object and tell Inkscape to center horizontally. Usually this will have the effect of either centering the numeral in the box as intended or moving the box and the numeral so that they're centered with each other, in which case I only have to move the box back to where it should be, thus centering the numeral.
Well, just an update, I found a ridiculously simple way to get it virtually perfect: On Illustrator CS4 and above, whichever one has the "smart" guides that can snap into location or w/e, just have one guide at the top edge of the blue area (if working on an Interstate shield, for example) and then another guide at the very bottom edge, then set the artboard to fit between the two guides. Then just click the vertical center align button and you're done.
I really should take a class on Illustrator, I can't believe how long it took me to figure this out. Anyway, I thought I'd mention it in case anyone else is having any trouble. You don't need to deal with numbers at all.