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Create text designs along a path

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Take typography to the next level with Illustrator on your iPad. Learn how to convert text to outlines and how to type on a path.

Illustrator on the iPad provides special text features that you can use to create rich typography for your poster, brochure, logo, and more. You can convert your text into a path object or type your text on a path to move it along the path curve. See also: Fonts and typography on Illustrator on the iPad.

Text design

Create outline text

With Illustrator on the iPad, you can easily convert your text into an object. This is useful when you need to use vector paths of text objects in your designs. When the text is converted to outlines or paths, its text properties are lost and the text cannot be edited using type controls. 

convert to curves
Create outline text

To convert the text object to outlines, tap  in the taskbar and choose Outline text.

After the text is converted into outlines, you can edit the path using the drawing or path editing tools.

See also: Convert type to outlines in Illustrator on the desktop.

Create type on a path

You can place text on the open or a closed path to make the text flow along the edge of the path. When you enter horizontal text, the characters are parallel to the baseline. When you enter vertical text, the characters are perpendicular to the baseline. 

text on curve
Type text along a path

To add the text on a path, do the following:

  1. Add your text using the Type tool.
  2. Create a path using the Pen or the Pencil tool.
  3. Drag to select both text and the path.
  4. Tap  in the taskbar and choose  (Type on path).
    You can use the touch shortcut to add text on a path, hold the touch secondary shortcut and drag the text on the path.

See also: Create type on a path in Illustrator on the desktop.

Edit text path

After you place the text on the selected path, to edit the path, tap  in the taskbar and choose  (Edit path). 

To edit the path, use the contextual widget that appears on selecting the path or use the path editing options by tapping in the taskbar.

See also: Edit paths in Illustrator on the desktop.

What's next

See the following articles to do more:

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