Master Typing Around Circles in Illustrator

Master Typing Around Circles in Illustrator

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Creating a circle
3. Typing on a circle 3.1 Using the Type Tool 3.2 Typing on a path options 3.3 Adjusting in and out points 3.4 Centering text on the circle
4. Splitting the circle
5. Typing on the top and bottom of the circle 5.1 Splitting the circle into two halves 5.2 Typing on the top side of the circle 5.3 Typing on the bottom side of the circle 5.4 Adjusting alignment and font size
6. Enhancing the design 6.1 Adding decorations to the circle 6.2 Creating a badge-like look
7. Conclusion

Illustrated Tutorial: How to Type Around a Circle in Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial, we will explore how to create and manipulate text in Adobe Illustrator to achieve a circular typing effect. We will cover the process of typing on a circle, as well as how to split the circle to type on both the top and bottom sides. Additionally, we will discuss various options for aligning and customizing the text within the circle.

1. Introduction

Adobe Illustrator offers powerful tools for creating and manipulating text. One of the interesting text effects that can be achieved is typing around a circle. Whether you wish to create circular logos, decorative elements, or badge designs, this tutorial will guide you through the steps.

2. Creating a Circle

To begin, we need to create a perfect circle in Adobe Illustrator. Select the Rectangle Tool, and then choose the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar or use the shortcut key "L". Click and hold the mouse button while dragging to create a circle shape. Hold the Shift key to maintain a perfect circle.

3. Typing on a Circle

3.1 Using the Type Tool

To start typing on the circle, select the Type Tool by pressing the "T" key on your keyboard. Click anywhere on the circle to place the text cursor. By default, Illustrator may display the Area Type option, but we want to type on a path. Select the Type on a Path Tool from the Type menu in the toolbar.

3.2 Typing on a Path Options

You can further customize the text on the circle using the Type on a Path Options dialog. Access this dialog by going to Type > Type on a Path > Type on a Path Options. Here, you can flip the text, align it to different positions, and apply various effects. Preview the changes to see how they affect the text placement.

3.3 Adjusting in and out points

The in and out points control where the text starts and ends on the circle. By dragging these points, you can rotate the text around the circle or change its starting position. Experiment with different placements to achieve the desired effect. Use the Direct Selection Tool to select and adjust these points.

3.4 Centering text on the circle

To center the text on the circle, select the text box and go to the Paragraph panel. Choose the Center alignment option to ensure the text appears in the middle of the circle. You may need to adjust the in and out points to fine-tune the placement and achieve the desired visual balance.

4. Splitting the Circle

If you want to type on both the top and bottom sides of the circle, you need to split it into two halves. To do this, select the Scissors Tool or press the "C" key on your keyboard. Click on the two horizontal anchor points where you want to split the circle. This will create separate paths for the top and bottom halves.

5. Typing on the Top and Bottom of the Circle

5.1 Splitting the Circle into Two Halves

After splitting the circle, you will have two halves - one for the top side and one for the bottom side. Adjust the paths if needed using the Direct Selection Tool to ensure they are aligned properly.

5.2 Typing on the Top Side of the Circle

Select the Type Tool and click on the first anchor point of the top half of the circle. Begin typing the desired text. Adjust the font size and spacing as needed to fit the text within the top half of the circle.

5.3 Typing on the Bottom Side of the Circle

Similarly, click on the first anchor point of the bottom half of the circle and start typing the desired text for the bottom side. You may notice that the text appears upside down. To fix this, access the Type on a Path Options dialog and check the "Flip" option. Align the text to the Ascender to position it on the outside of the path.

5.4 Adjusting Alignment and Font Size

You can further adjust the in and out points of the text on both sides to fine-tune the alignment. Use the Paragraph panel to center the text on both the top and bottom sides of the circle. Adjust the font size and spacing as necessary to ensure the text fits appropriately.

6. Enhancing the Design

6.1 Adding Decorations to the Circle

To enhance the overall design, you can add decorative elements or graphics within the circle. Make use of the shape tools, brushes, or freehand drawing to create unique patterns or designs that complement the typed text.

6.2 Creating a Badge-Like Look

By incorporating additional design elements, such as borders, outlines, or shading, you can create a badge-like appearance for your circular text. Experiment with different styles and effects to achieve a visually appealing result.

7. Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored various techniques for typing around a circle in Adobe Illustrator. By utilizing the Type on a Path feature and splitting the circle, you can create unique circular typographic designs. Consider experimenting with different alignments, font sizes, and effects to enhance the visual impact of your circular text. With practice and creativity, you can create stunning designs that stand out.