How to Curve Text in Illustrator: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this article, I will show you how to use Curve Text in Illustrator. Understanding how you can curve text in Illustrator will help you create different kinds of designs.

Curved text can be used to create stunning logos, merchandise, and T-shirts, with text wrapping around different symbols. The text can be half-arch around a circle or go around in a full circular flow. At the end of the post, I will create a step-by-step guide on how I used curved text and shapes to create these designs.

You can apply the curve text effect in different forms to achieve different layouts, such as wavy, arch, or bulk text. Below are 3 simple ways you can use Adobe Illustrator.

1. Method 1: Warp Text
2. Method 2: Curve Text by typing on Path
3. Method 3: Envelope Distort

Method 1: Curve Text in Illustrator using Warp Text

The easiest method to curve your text is to use the warp option. First, you need to create a document by going to File>New and then setting up the document on the pop-up.

Step 1: Click T or navigate to the text tool. Click once on your artboard to create the cursor. Type your text. Set the font to Gotham Black on the top menu.

Step 2: Select your text by clicking on it. Go to Effect>Warp.

Step 3: Choose Arc. Toggle vertical for the below effect. You can adjust settings to what you like best. Try out different styles from the drop-like flag to see how it looks.

Method 2: Curve Text Around a Circle

Alternatively, you can curve text along a path object. You can use a circle, a curved line, or any other shape of your choice.

Step 1: Create a path that you want your text to curve around. I will create an ellipse Shape or circle

Step 2: Click and hold on to the type tool to bring up the type on the path.

Step 3: Click along the circle’s edge or path and write your text

Step 4: Adjust the text by going to Object>Type on Path Options or moving the bracket ends.

This method can also be used when you want the text to move along a curved line. You can duplicate the text and then copy it to the other side of the circular shape.

To adjust the alignment of the text, go to Type>Type on Path options and set it on the pop-up menu. Make sure to toggle preview and flip to the bottom side to view the changes.

Curve Text by typing on a curved Path

Typing on a curved path is similar to the process we used on the circle. The first step is to create a curved line. We will use the pen tool.

Choose the pen tool or shortcut P. Click once on the artboard to create a point, then do the same on another part of the artboard. This time, hold down the mouse and drag to curve the point. Do the same for the third point.

Go to the Text tool shortcut T and hold it down to bring up the type on path option. Click anywhere on the line, then type your text.

Step 5: Adjust the text by going to Object>Type on Path Options or moving the bracket ends. You can adjust the text font, size, and alignment at any time.

Method 3: Envelope Distortion using Warp

You can also curve text using the Envelope Distort option. Click T and type to create your text.

Go to Object Envelope Distort and choose Make with Warp.

Choose any options from the drop-down. The options are the same as the warp option we discussed earlier. 

Alternatively, you can choose to make it with mesh instead. You will follow the same process but choose Make with Mesh after Envelope Distort. Set the values on the pop-up menu to create movable anchor points.

The nodes represent movable points using the direct selection tool.

Convert Text to a Shape in Illustrator

Step 1: Create Your Text: Start by creating the text you want to curve. Select the “Type” tool (shortcut: T), click on your artboard, and type your text.

Step 2: Create a Shape: Draw a shape that will serve as the envelope for your text. This shape will determine the curve.

You can use the pen tool or any other shape-drawing tool to create the shape. Ensure that the shape covers the area where you want the text to curve.

Step 3: Select Both Text and Shape: Click on the text to select it, and then Shift-click on the shape to select it as well. Go to Object>Envelope Distort>Make with Top Object.

Step 4: To adjust the curve after applying the envelope distortion, use the Direct Selection tool (shortcut: A) to click on specific anchor points of the envelope shape and manipulate them as needed.

Finalize and Refine: Make any additional adjustments to your text or envelope shape as necessary to achieve the desired curvature and positioning.

Expand (Optional): If you want to finalize the curved text and no longer need to edit it as an envelope, you can go to Object >Envelope Distort>Expand to convert it into editable shapes.

Related:

1. What is Illustrator, and how is it used?

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