Photoshop

Create and edit type on a path

You can enter type that flows along the edge of a work path created by a pen or a shape tool.

When you enter type along a path, the type flows in the direction that anchor points were added to the path. Entering horizontal type on a path results in letters that are perpendicular to the baseline. Entering vertical type on a path results in text orientation parallel to the baseline.

As you move a path or change its shape, the type conforms to the new path location or shape.

Horizontal and vertical type on an open path

Horizontal and vertical type on a closed path created by a shape tool

Enter type along a path

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Select the Horizontal Type tool  or the Vertical Type tool .

    • Select the Horizontal Type Mask tool  or the Vertical Type Mask tool .

  2. Position the pointer so that the baseline indicator of the type tool  is on the path and click. After you click, an insertion point appears on the path.
    The baseline indicator of the Type tool (left) and the Type tool with its baseline indicator on a path (right)

  3. Enter the type. Horizontal type appears along the path, perpendicular to the baseline. Vertical type appears along the path, parallel to the baseline.
    For more control over vertical alignment of type on a path, use the Baseline Shift option in the Character palette. For example, type a negative value in the Baseline Shift text box to lower the type.

Move or flip type on a path

 Select the Direct Selection tool  or Path Selection tool  and position it over the type. The pointer changes to an I‑beam with an arrow .

  • To move text, click and drag the type along the path. Be careful not to drag across the path.

  • To flip text to the other side of the path, click and drag the type across the path.

Using the Direct Selection tool or Path Selection tool to move or flip type on a path

To move type across a path without changing the direction of the type, use the Baseline Shift option in the Character palette. For example, if you created type that runs from left to right across the top of a circle, you can enter a negative number in the Baseline Shift text box to drop the type so that it flows inside the top of the circle.

Move a path with type

 Select the Path Selection tool  or the Move tool , and then click and drag the path to a new position. If you use the Path Selection tool, make sure that the pointer does not change to an I‑beam with an arrow  or you’ll move the type along the path.

Change the shape of a path with type

  1. Select the Direct Selection tool .
  2. Click an anchor point on the path and use the handles to change the shape of the path.