Have you been using the regular text box in Illustrator to write on a curved design? Using the text tool is basic at most. Add a bit of character and make your design look professional with the type on path tool in Illustrator on iPad.
Adobe Illustrator’s curve text on iPad is an essential feature that allows designers to place text along the curve of a path. Unlike the regular text tool that restricts text to straight lines or standard text boxes, the Type on Path tool opens up creative possibilities by letting you align text to any curved shape or path. Whether you're working on logos, banners, or creative layouts, this tool enables the integration of text in unique and visually appealing ways.
In this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Type on Path on iPad Illustrator. From setting up text on a path to applying creative techniques and troubleshooting common issues, this article will equip you with the knowledge to master this tool and enhance your design projects.
In this article
Part 1: How to Type on a Path Using Illustrator on iPad
The steps for creating curve text on iPad with Adobe Illustrator are very straightforward. Whether you’re working with a hand-drawn or shape-derived path, this guide will ensure you can execute this feature effectively.
Step 1: Open Illustrator on your iPad. If you don’t have the app installed, download it from the App Store and sign in with your Adobe ID.
Step 2: Create a new document.
Step 3: Draw a path using the Pen Tool on the toolbar.
Step 4: Click the Text Tool on the toolbar and type in your desired text.
Step 5: Highlight the text and the path you drew to group both the shape and text together for a perfect curve.
Step 6: In the toolbar, select the Type Tool > Type on Path represented by a T with a curl below it. This activates type on a path tool on the text and path you grouped.
Step 7: Adjust the positioning of the curved text until it aligns perfectly with your design.
Customizing Text Appearance
Once you have successfully created an iPad curved text, you can further enhance the text’s appearance to fit your design needs. Adobe Illustrator has several customization options on iPad that make your curved text stand out.
- Changing text fonts and adjusting font size:
Changing your text font and size is pretty simple. Select your text and click on Font on the Properties Panel to your right. This will open up a list of available fonts on iPad Illustrator. Adjust the font size slider to increase or decrease font size.
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Using Adobe Illustrator to Curve Text on iPad
Curving text is a common design requirement, especially in logos and circular designs. In Illustrator on iPad, curving text follows the same principles as typing on a path, with a focus on shaping the text to fit within or around other design elements.
iPad Illustrator Vs Windows Illustrator
Illustrator on iPad, while powerful, differs slightly from the Windows version. While the iPad version typically works the same way as the Windows version, it is better optimized for touch, with larger icons and fewer panels.
In addition, the iPad version is designed to take advantage of the Apple Pencil, offering precise control. However, it might not support the same level of processing power as a high-end Windows computer.
Part 2: Why Does the Type on a Path Feature Sometimes Stay Grayed Out?
When using Adobe Illustrator on iPad, you might occasionally notice situations where the type on a path feature appears grayed out, making it inaccessible. Understanding why this happens and how to resolve it is crucial for a smooth design workflow. Here are some reasons the text on a path feature may stay grayed out.
- No Path Selected
To activate the text on a path tool, you need to select a path alongside text on Illustrator. If no path is selected or if you’ve mistakenly selected an object that isn’t a path (such as a text box), the feature will remain grayed out.
- Locked or Hidden Paths
Paths that are locked or hidden cannot be edited or manipulated. If the path you intend to use is locked, the type on a path feature will be inaccessible.
Part 3. How Can I Prevent Text from Moving Around on a Path in Illustrator on iPad?
You are likely to encounter moving texts while using Adobe Illustrator’s curve text on iPad. This could be because of an overcrowded path. To prevent this, ensure you have a clear path with a clear starting point and just enough anchor points.
Once your text is aligned perfectly, lock the path to prevent your text from moving around while you’re editing elements of your design. Also, adjust the kerning—the space between characters—to stabilize the text on the path.
Part 4. Can Outlined Text Be Used With the Type on a Path Feature in Illustrator on iPad?
An outlined text is a text or a font that was converted into a vector format. In simple terms, it means a text that has been turned into an object so it still appears clean without losing its image quality. Once a text is outlined, it cannot be edited.
Outlined text can be used with the “type on a path feature. To create an outlined text, select the Text Tool and choose a font type. Write out your text and select it. Click on Type > Outline on the Properties Panel. The text you selected will be outlined.
Part 5. What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Type on a Path in Illustrator On iPad?
Here are some of the most common mistakes designers make when using type on a path in Adobe Illustrator on iPad and how to prevent them.
- Path Selection
One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting the wrong path or not selecting a path at all before trying to add text. Ensure that you’ve selected the path you want to type on before you start typing. The path will be highlighted, indicating that it’s the active path.
- Misalignment of Text on the Path
Sometimes text may appear too far above or below the path, or it may be oriented in a way that makes it difficult to read. After typing on the path, adjust the text alignment on the Property Panel to ensure it follows the path.
- Unfitting Font Type and Size
Using a font size or style that is too intricate can cause the text to overlap or become difficult to read, especially on curved or complex paths. This mistake is particularly common when working on smaller devices like an iPad, where screen size limitations can distort your perception of the final output. Stick to regular and moderate-sized fonts that suit the length of your path.
Part 6: Creative Techniques for Text on a Path on iPad Illustrator
Typing text on a path in Illustrator takes text editing a notch higher than regular text. Now, using different creative techniques is the cherry on the cake; it adds a bit of adventure and draws your viewers in. Here are some tricks you can use when writing text on path in Illustrator on iPad.
Combining Multiple Paths
Draw multiple paths using the Pen tool or Shape tool. These paths can consist of straight lines, curves, or any fun shapes that you want your text to follow. Apply text to each path, and adjust the letter spacing and text alignment to create a flow between multiple paths of text.
Animating Text on a Path
After writing texts on a path, experiment with different animation options on the toolbar. You can create multiple themes on different sections of the text path. Adjust shadows and opacity to make the effects more or less dramatic.
These text editing techniques can be used in logo design and engaging social media content.
Bonus: Curve Texts on Videos Using Filmora
Using type on path on iPad illustrator is possible on photos or graphics, but not on videos. A different tool like Wondershare Filmora is recommended for curving text on videos.
Filmora’s Curve Text Tool
Filmora is a versatile video editing software designed for both beginners and more experienced design enthusiasts. Its Curve Text tool allows you to manipulate text along a curved path directly within your video. This tool is useful if you’re creating video titles and subtitles, or if you want to get creative with texts on your video screen
Follow these steps to curve texts on Filmora
Step 1: Import your video to Filmora.
Step 2: Drag and drop your video on the timeline.
Step 3: Click on Title > Trending. Drag your chosen text style to the timeline, and place it just above your video. Adjust the length of the text on the timeline to match the length of your video.
Step 4: Click on Text > Basic on the editor panel to edit the text in the textbox. Scroll down the text editor panel and toggle Shape. Select the curved text style you want. You can adjust the curve strength to suit your desired style.
Adjust font type, size, and text alignment, add background to your texts, and change the shape of your curved texts on this panel.
Conclusion
Mastering type on a path in Illustrator on iPad can fuel your creativity as a designer and improve your design projects. Follow the steps in this guide and explore these techniques to make your designs stand out.
Whether you’re a graphics designer or just exploring curved text in videos using Filmora, experimenting with different paths and text will refine your design skills.
