To use the Type on a Path tool in Adobe Illustrator, you first create a path and then apply text along its shape. You can then adjust the text placement and alignment using the Direct Selection Tool and text options.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step-by-Step Guide to Typing on a Path
Using the Type on a Path tool allows you to add creative text elements that follow the contours of any path you create in Illustrator.
- Create Your Path: Start by drawing a path using one of Illustrator's path tools. This could be:
- The Pen Tool (P) for custom shapes.
- The Pencil Tool (N) for freehand paths.
- Shape tools like the Ellipse Tool (L) or Rectangle Tool (M) and then selecting the shape. For shapes, you'll be typing on the edge of the shape.
- Select the Type on a Path Tool: Find the Type Tool (T) in the Tools panel. Click and hold the Type Tool icon to reveal other related tools, then select the Type on a Path Tool.
- Click on the Path: Move the Type on a Path Tool cursor over the path you want to use. The cursor will change appearance (often showing a wavy line). Click directly on the path where you want your text to begin.
- Type Your Text: Once you click, sample text will appear on the path, and your cursor will be ready for you to type your desired text.
- Format Your Text: Just like regular text, you can select your text on the path and adjust its font, size, color, and other properties using the Properties panel or the Character and Paragraph panels.
Adjusting Text on the Path
Once your text is on the path, you have control over its position, flow, and alignment.
- Using Toggles with the Direct Selection Tool: As mentioned in the reference, after applying the text, use the Direct Selection Tool (A). When you select the text path with this tool, you will see various controls or "toggles" appear along the path. These toggles, often looking like vertical lines or markers, allow you to:
- Change Placement: Click and drag the start and end toggles along the path to define where the text begins and ends.
- Flip Text: Drag the middle toggle (often called the 'center bracket' or 'flip control') across the path to flip the text to the other side of the path.
- Alignment Options: You can also use standard text alignment options to control how the text is positioned along the path.
- Utilize options like Center align in the Paragraph panel to ensure the text is perfectly aligned in the middle of the path segment defined by your start and end toggles. Other options include Left align and Right align.
Practical Tips for Type on a Path
- Closed vs. Open Paths: Text on a closed path (like a circle) will continue around the entire shape. Text on an open path (like a line) will stop at the end of the path.
- Overflow Text: If your text is longer than the path allows within the defined toggles, a small red box with a plus sign will appear at the end of the path, indicating overflow text. You can either enlarge the path, adjust the toggles, or link the overflow text to another path.
- Effects: You can apply various effects to text on a path, such as warping or envelopes, for more creative designs.
By following these steps and utilizing the tools and options available, including the Direct Selection Tool toggles and alignment features like Center align, you can effectively use the Type on a Path tool in Adobe Illustrator to create dynamic text layouts.
