Text on a path

Path text is a variation of Artistic text which follows a line, curve or outline of a shape.

Text on a path
Before and after conversion to path text (and final design example).

Applying text to a path allows you to explore a whole range of diverse typographical designs. The path can be created from any line, curve or shape drawn using any of the line or shape tools. These include, but are not limited to, the Pen Tool, Pencil Tool, and Ellipse Tool. The only criterion is that a line, curve or shape must exist on the page before path text can be implemented.

Modifying path text

Once the path has been created, you can adjust the start and end handles on the path to expand or restrict the portion on which text will flow. The start and end handles are indicated by light green and orange triangles, respectively.

First path start and end handles

If path text extends beyond the start and end handles, it will flow onto a second path (below) or wrap around to follow the path in the opposite direction. If this occurs, an additional pair of start and end handles (colored dark green and red, respectively) will become available so this new path can be adjusted separately. Both paths and pairs of handles work identically.

Second path handles

Reshaping the path object

You can reshape the path object at any point using the Node Tool. If your text path object originated from one of the shape tools, you can modify it as if it was still the original geometric shape. Text already present on the path will reflow along the changing path when the object is reshaped.

For more information on reshaping a path object, see the Edit vector lines and shapes and Draw and edit shapes topics.

Path text and snapping

Along the path you'll encounter red perpendicular snapping lines as you drag path text handles. For example, on path text around an ellipse, you can snap to 90° intervals on its circumference, then use text alignment options to precisely position text centrally.

Path text snapping

Hiding overflowing path text

Any path text extending beyond the end handle of a secondary path will be hidden by default, but you can expose this, e.g. for editing, by tapping the strikethrough red eye icon.

Hiding path text
Artistic Text Tool To create path text:
  1. Select a previously drawn line, curve or shape.
  3. Tap on the line, curve or shape where you would like your text to begin.
  4. The line, curve or shape is converted to a path ready for accommodating text.
  5. Do one of the following:
    • Type your text.
    • Paste previously copied text.
To modify the flow of path text:

With the path text selected, drag one or more path text handles.

Resizing path object

When resizing a path object you can control whether:

To reflow text:

With the path object selected, do one of the following:

To scale text:

SEE ALSO: