2 Easy Ways to Wrap Text in Adobe Illustrator

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Do you want to wrap text around a shape in Adobe Illustrator? Text wrapping will format your text in a way that surrounds an object or image. This is often used in graphic design to create integrated, professional-looking images that stand out, such as in magazines. You can also wrap text around a shape, such as a circle, to create abstract images or logos. This wikiHow will show you how to wrap text around objects, shapes, and images in Adobe Illustrator on your Windows or Mac computer.

Things You Should Know

  • Text Wrap allows you to wrap your text around a shape, photo, or imported object.
  • To create a text wrap, select "Object", "Text Wrap", then "Make".
  • To wrap text around a circle, select the Type on a Path Tool and click the circle's path.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Wrapping Text Around an Object

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  1. This can be a new or existing project. [1]
  2. You will need your text and object (such as an image) ready in the project.
    • You'll need to input and move your text.
    • You'll also need to add an image as your object.
    • It's best to use an image with a transparent background.
    • If you need to cut out part of the image, you can use the Lasso Tool .
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  3. You can do this using the Selection Tool, Magic Wand Tool, or the Layers Panel. The wrap object is what you want the text to wrap around.
    • If you have an image, this will be your wrap object.
  4. If your wrap object is not on top, it will be covered by the text.
    • To do this, click Object → Arrange → Bring to Front . [2]
    • If you have your object and text on separate layers, make sure the object is on the top layer.
  5. This will open a drop-down menu. [3]
  6. A new window will open. [4]
    • You may need to confirm the pop-up window that states: Text will wrap around all objects in the current selection, including type objects. Select OK .
    • Your Text Wrap will be created and automatically adjust to the object's location.
  7. To find the settings, click Object → Text Wrap → Text Wrap Options… . [5]
    • Check Preview to show your changes as you make them.
    • Offset refers to the distance between the text and your object. The larger the number, the more space will appear between the text and the object. Use a negative (-) number to make the text overlap the object.
    • To decrease or increase the offset, click the arrows beside Offset or manually input the value.
    • Click Invert Wrap to invert the Text Wrap.
    • If you want to undo Text Wrapping, go to Object → Text Wrap → Release .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Wrapping Text Around a Circle

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  1. This can be a new or existing project. [6]
    • This method involves creating text on a path.
    • You will be able to curve your text around a circle.
    • You can use this method to create a text logo.
  2. This will act as the wrap object for your text.
    • As you click and drag to create the shape, hold Shift + Alt to create a perfect circle.
  3. This will open more Tool options.
  4. [7]
  5. This will place default text on the path.
  6. Input the text you'd like to wrap around the circle.
    • To change the font, select from the drop-down menu on the top toolbar. This will be beside Character: .
    • Adjust the font size using the up and down arrows or input the value manually.
    • Your changes should take effect as you make them.
  7. You can triple-click or click and drag over the text.
  8. This will open a drop-down menu.
  9. A new window will open. [8]
    • Be sure to click Preview to view your changes as you make them.
  10. This will be next to Align to Path .
    • If you don't see Center , click to expand the drop-down menu.
    • This is also where you can Flip the text.
    • Use the Direct Selection Tool to rotate the text to your desired placement.
    • To finalize the text, go to Type → Create Outlines . This will turn your text from an object into a vector.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I distort a wrapped text?
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Shari Fairclough is a Social Media & Graphic Design Expert based in Atlanta, Georgia. Shari is a versatile designer with extensive experience in social media marketing, UX/UI design, and graphic print production. She has over 4 years of both freelance and in-house experience working as a UX and Graphic Designer. She currently works as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at Guidepost Montessori. In this role, Shari curates engaging content and enhances the school's online presence. In 2022, Shari founded Sunni Aesthetics, a design platform that blends culture, design, and art. Shari holds a Google UX Design certification. Additionally, she studied graphic design at The Creative Circus, has four years of experience working as an assistant teacher, and is certified as a TEFL instructor. Shari has contributed to various publications, including Canvas Rebel, VoyageATL, and 11 Alive, and has film credits on IMDb for her work in "Black Lightning," "The Color Purple," and "The Staircase." She received a BA in Film & Media from Georgia State University.
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Expert Answer
    Yes! You can distort texts using the envelope distortion feature in Adobe Illustrator. Start by selecting your text with the Selection Tool. Then, navigate to Object > Envelope Distort in the top menu. From there, you can choose from options like Make with Warp, Make with Mesh, or Make with Top Object, then select a warp style. You can then drag the slider to adjust the level of distortion to your preferences.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/add-text-work-with-type-objects.html
      2. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/stacking-objects.html
      3. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/add-text-work-with-type-objects.html
      4. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/add-text-work-with-type-objects.html
      5. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/add-text-work-with-type-objects.html
      6. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/creating-type-path.html
      7. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/creating-type-path.html
      8. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/creating-type-path.html

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