How to Put a Type on a Path in Illustrator

Create text that follows curves with type on a path.

As an illustration program, Adobe Illustrator is a great tool for creating interesting shapes and artistic designs. It also has great capabilities for adding short text to graphic elements. Often, part of the design involves combining a shape and text to create interestingly shaped text, turning the text into a graphic element. Adobe Illustrator contains a tool designed to help you accomplish exactly this.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Create the path using one of the drawing tools such as the pen, pencil, shapes or paintbrush.
   • 2
     Select the "Type on a Path" tool. You may need to click on the "Type" tool for a few seconds to access the "Type on a Path" tool.
   • 3
     Click on the path.
   • 4
     Type the text that you want to add to the path.
   • 5
     Click on the "Type" menu, and hover over "Type on a Path." Select "Type on a Path Options."
   • 6
     Click on the "Effect" drop-down menu, and select the desired effect. Make sure the "Preview" box is checked to view the effect as you select it.
   • 7
     Click on "Align to Path," and select the desired alignment.