Converting text to outlines in InDesign is a straightforward process that allows you to treat text as vector graphics, enabling more creative control and preventing font issues when sharing your files. Here's how:
-
Select the Text: Using the Selection Tool (black arrow), click on the text frame containing the text you want to convert to outlines. You can select multiple text frames if needed.
-
Create Outlines: Go to the "Type" menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
-
Choose "Create Outlines": From the "Type" menu, select "Create Outlines." You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Ctrl + O (Windows) or Shift + Command + O (Mac).
What Happens After Conversion?
- The text is no longer editable as text. It becomes a series of vector shapes.
- Each character is now an individual object that can be manipulated, scaled, and colored independently.
- The original text frame disappears, and the outlined text becomes a group of objects.
Why Convert Text to Outlines?
- Preserves Appearance: When sending files to printers or others who may not have the fonts you used, converting to outlines ensures the text appears exactly as you designed it, preventing font substitution issues.
- Creative Effects: Outlines allow you to manipulate the text in ways not possible with editable text, such as applying gradients, patterns, or distorting the shapes.
- Logo Design: Converting text to outlines is essential when finalizing logos in InDesign, ensuring scalability without loss of quality.
Important Considerations:
- Keep a Copy: Always keep a copy of the original, editable text before converting to outlines. Once outlined, the text is no longer editable.
- File Size: Converting text to outlines can slightly increase file size, especially with large amounts of text.
- Proof Carefully: After converting, carefully proofread to ensure no unexpected changes occurred.
By following these steps, you can effectively convert text to outlines in InDesign, providing greater design control and ensuring consistent results.
