How to Make Text Graphics
Most computers today display stunning graphics, animations and pictures that can rival a Hollywood production. But when computers were new, they could only display the symbols, numbers and letters of the standard ASCII character set. Artists created a way to use the limited character set and established ASCII art--made entirely of text symbols.
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Instructions
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1
Open your text editor and start with a new, blank file.
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2
Decide whether you want to use the standard ASCII character set or the extended set. Some artists insist on using only the characters that are found on a standard keyboard. The extended ASCII character set, however, includes many additional symbols to add to your artwork (see Step 4).
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3
Set your font width. To ensure that your artwork will be visible in the most possible instances, set your font to fixed-width and not proportional-width. Fixed-width means that each character will take up exactly the same amount of space from left to right. This allows you to use the space bar to precisely align characters from one row with those in another row.
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4
Experiment with the extended character set. To view, press and hold the "Alt" key on your keyboard. While still holding, type a number from 128 to 255. Then release the "Alt" key. This will cause the character associated with the number to appear on the screen.
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5
Start creating your picture. Try varying symbols from the extended character set or using repetition with a standard symbol. Create an entire picture from just one character or use them all. Be sure to step away from the screen to check your progress--viewing from further away will increase the effect and make lines between symbols blur, making the overall picture more clear.
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