Text along a path

If we want to type text along a path, we must have a path, quite logical.

So the first thing you do is create a path. No matter with what tool.

In the example below I have a path drawn with the “Pen” tool.

Then select the “Type on a path” tool (1), place your cursor over the path (2) and when it changes to an “I”, just click and start typing the text.

You will see that the text follows the path (3).

Deselect the text by clicking anywhere in your document with the “Select” tool, you will see that the path disappears and only the text remains.

The text begins where you clicked on the path with the mouse.

If you want to move back the text on the path, first select the text with “Select” tool (1). This indicates a shift lever to show the starting point of the text.

Click and drag to the desired position (2).

Release the mouse button when you are satisfied.

If you want to change the text or format of the text, double click the text. This puts the cursor in the text.
Select the text you want to change or change the format of.

An example with a circle.

Here also the same principle, first we draw our circle.

Next we select the “type on a path” tool.

We place the cursor over the path and start typing.

There is a difference.

When you work with a closed path, then you have a starting point (1) for the text, an endpoint (2) for the text and a third lever that will bring the text into the shape (3).

I will first show you what that endpoint does.

Drag, for example, just behind the letters “Swotster” (4), then the text is aborted.

Do not panic. You can always change it by dragging the handle again.

The third lever is to put our text in the shape, in this case the circle.

Click and drag this handle to the inside of the shape (5).

When the text is placed inside the shape, you can also change the position and / or text, that is add text with the other two levers.

 

From text to shape

We have the ability to create a shape of our text.
The disadvantage is that you can not change them as you change the regular text.
Advantage is that you can give a separate shape for each character, possibly for a logo or something.

First, type your text, then click the “Type” button in the menu bar and select “Create Outlines” in the drop-down menu.
This makes each letter a separate shape, which we can also handle as a shape.
So add and remove anchor points. Click and drag with the different levers.
In short, everything you have learned to customize a shape, you can now use for your letters.

Featured Courses

• Downloading iPad Apps
• Lesson 1: Introduction to Publisher
• Lesson 65: File Formats