The shortcut for converting text to outlines in Adobe InDesign depends on whether you are using a PC or a Mac.
Shortcut for Converting Text to Outlines in InDesign
Converting text to outlines transforms editable text characters into vector graphic shapes. This is often done to ensure that text appears correctly regardless of whether the font is installed on another system, or to manipulate the text paths as graphics.
To convert text to outlines using a keyboard shortcut, you must first select the text frame or the text itself that you wish to convert.
PC Shortcut
If you are working on a Windows PC, the keyboard shortcut to convert selected text to outlines is:
Ctrl + Shift + O
As indicated by one reference: "Or, if you're on a PC, type 'Ctrl, Shift and O', as long as your text is selected of course." This shortcut combines the Control, Shift, and O keys.
Mac Shortcut
For users on a Mac, the equivalent keyboard shortcut is:
Command + Shift + O
This uses the Command key in place of the Control key found on PCs.
Here is a quick reference table for clarity:
| Platform | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| PC | Ctrl + Shift + O |
| Mac | Command + Shift + O |
Key Considerations
When using the shortcut to convert text to outlines:
- Select Text: Ensure the text or text frame you want to convert is selected before pressing the shortcut.
- Irreversible Action: Converting text to outlines is generally irreversible. Once converted, the shapes are no longer editable as text (you cannot change the font, correct typos easily, etc.). It's often wise to duplicate the text frame and hide the original text layer before converting.
- File Size: Converting large amounts of text can potentially increase file size and complexity.
Using these shortcuts allows for a quick and efficient way to prepare text elements in your InDesign layouts, particularly when sharing files with others or incorporating text into complex graphic designs.
