Illustrator How to Turn Text Into Shape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful software widely used by graphic designers and artists to create stunning visual designs. One of its useful features is the ability to turn text into shapes, which allows for more creative possibilities and customization. In this article, we will guide you through the process of turning text into shapes in Illustrator, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.

Step 1: Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document or open an existing one that contains the text you want to convert into shapes.

Step 2: Select the text tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side or press ‘T’ on your keyboard to activate the text tool.

Step 3: Click on the canvas where you want to add your text. A text box will appear, allowing you to type in your desired text.

Step 4: Customize your text by choosing the font, size, and color from the options bar at the top of the screen. You can also adjust the alignment and other formatting settings.

Step 5: Once you are satisfied with your text, go to the “Type” menu at the top and click on “Create Outlines” or use the shortcut “Shift+Ctrl+O” (Windows) or “Shift+Cmd+O” (Mac).

Step 6: Your text will now be converted into editable shapes. You can see the individual anchor points and paths that make up each letter.

Step 7: To modify the shapes further, you can use the selection tool or the direct selection tool to manipulate the anchor points and paths. This allows you to reshape and transform the text as desired.

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about turning text into shapes in Illustrator:

FAQs:

1. Can I still edit the text after converting it into shapes?
No, once you convert text into shapes, it becomes a vector graphic and can no longer be edited as text. However, you can continue to edit the shapes themselves.

2. Will converting text into shapes affect the quality of the artwork?
No, converting text into shapes does not affect the quality of the artwork. It allows for more flexibility and control in terms of customization.

3. Can I apply different effects and styles to the converted shapes?
Yes, you can apply a wide range of effects and styles to the converted shapes, such as gradients, shadows, and outlines. Simply select the shape and apply the desired effect from the “Appearance” panel.

4. Can I resize the converted shapes without losing quality?
Yes, since the converted shapes are vectors, they can be resized without any loss of quality. They will maintain their sharpness and clarity at any size.

5. How can I convert shapes back into editable text?
Unfortunately, once you have converted text into shapes, there is no direct way to convert it back into editable text in Illustrator. It is always recommended to keep a copy of the original text in case you need to make changes later.

6. Can I convert a whole paragraph or multiple lines of text into shapes at once?
Yes, you can select multiple lines or a whole paragraph of text and convert them into shapes simultaneously. Simply select the text, go to the “Type” menu, and click on “Create Outlines.”

7. Can I create a custom shape from any font or only specific fonts?
You can create a custom shape from any font in Illustrator. The software allows you to convert text into shapes regardless of the font you choose.

In conclusion, Adobe Illustrator offers a simple yet powerful method to turn text into shapes, providing endless possibilities for customization and creative expression. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily convert your text into editable shapes and unleash your creativity in your designs.