Add and edit text

Create beautiful typography using Adobe Illustrator on the web (beta) in a few simple steps.

  Explore the beta app
Illustrator on web (beta) is available for testing and feedback. Try it now to experience new features.

Note:

The app is available as part of your Illustrator subscription.

Illustrator on the web (beta) empowers designers with dynamic typography to enhance their artwork,
achieving visual harmony and impactful designs. You can choose your font and customize its size and style for effective communication and elevated visual appeal.

Is it easy to add text or text on a path?

With its user-friendly interface and Contextual Task Bar, Illustrator on the web (beta) allows you to add and edit text or text on a path with equal ease.

Why should I create text outlines?

You can create outline text in Illustrator on the web (beta) to convert the text into editable vector shapes. This ensures consistent design and easy sharing without any font-related issues.

Try the hands-on tutorial in the app

Play this video for an introduction to the hands-on tutorial about adding and editing text.

Adobe Illustrator deeplink

Try it in the app
Now that you've watched the video, follow along with the tutorial to learn how to add and edit text.

Add text

  1. Select the Type   tool (T).

  2. Select anywhere on the artboard to add point text and start typing. To add text within a boundary, drag the pointer to create a text frame.

Tip:

You can add text horizontally or vertically. Right-click the Type   tool to select the Vertical Type   tool.

Add text on a path

If you're a designer or an artist, you can add text on a path in Illustrator on the web (beta) to create visually dynamic and integrated designs. You can place text along custom shapes and paths, enhancing their creativity and visual appeal.

Add text on a path or shape.

  1. Select the Type   tool and then select Type on path    tool from the list.

  2. Select the path of a shape to add text along its path.

Edit text attributes

With the Properties   panel, you can format the text and font attributes such as, Font name, Font variation, Font size, Set the leading, and so on.

Select the text frame to view the Contextual Task Bar and use the following handy text controls:

Text control

How to use it?

Font size   

Use the slider to increase or decrease the font size.

Text tracking   

Use the slider to increase or decrease the space between letters.

Line spacing   

Use the slider to increase or decrease the space between lines.

Edit text path

You can easily edit text paths to create unique typographic designs.

  1. Select the text path with the Selection   tool.

  2. Select Edit path   from the Contextual Task Bar.

  3. Modify the text path.

Create outline text

Transforming text into an object is useful, mainly when dealing with vector paths in design projects. This ensures consistent design and easy sharing without any font-related issues.

Note:

Once you convert text into outlines or paths, it loses its text properties, making it uneditable with text controls.

Shows an image with the Type icon selected and the options within.
Convert text to outline with Outline text.

  1. Select the text you want to convert to outline.

  2. Select the Type   icon from the taskbar, and then select Outline text   (Shift + Ctrl + O) to convert your text to objects with paths.

Pro tips and tricks

  • Hover over a tool to view a short clip and tip on how it works.
  • When you select an object, the Contextual Task Bar for the selected object is displayed on the canvas. You can use the options in the bar to quickly perform actions directly on the canvas.
  • You'll view ! icon on selecting a text frame and in the Text section of the Properties   panel. This indicates that one or more fonts used in this text frame are missing.

Finalize your artwork

You can also take your artwork to Illustrator on the desktop and refine it by selecting the Open in desktop app button. Once your artwork is complete, select Share > Publish and export to save it in other formats (PNG, JPEG, AiT, Ai, PDF, and SVG) and share it with anyone, anywhere.

Have a question or an idea?

Ask the Community

If you have a question to ask or an idea to share, come and participate in Adobe Illustrator on the web (beta) Community. We would love to hear from you and see your creations.

More like this

Get help faster and easier

New user?