Text on a Path in Photoshop

Text on a Path means placing text along a path instead of using a normal straight text line.

The path controls the direction and shape followed by the text.

Text on a Path is useful for creative designs where normal horizontal text is not enough.

• Logos
• Badges
• Round labels
• Posters
• Decorative headings
• Creative social media designs

A path is a line or shape created using vector-based points and curves.

A path can be straight, curved or made from multiple segments.

Photoshop provides several tools for creating paths.

• Pen Tool
• Curvature Pen Tool
• Shape Tools

The Pen Tool provides detailed control over points and curves.

A simple straight path can be created by placing points with the Pen Tool.

Point A ---------------- Point B

Text can then follow this path.

Curved paths can be created using the Pen Tool by clicking and dragging to create direction handles.

      ______
   __/      \__

Text can follow the curve created by the path.

After creating the path, select the Type Tool from the Toolbar.

The shortcut is:

T

With the Type Tool selected, move the pointer over the path.

When Photoshop indicates that the Type Tool can use the path, click the path and start typing.

Path
──────────────
     ↓
   TEXT

Once text is attached to a path, the characters follow the shape and direction of that path.

If the path is curved, the text also follows the curve.

Text on a Path can use different fonts just like normal text.

Choose a font that remains readable when it follows the shape of the path.

You can change the font size of text placed on a path.

A smaller font may work better for tight curves, while a larger font can be suitable for large circular designs.

Text on a Path can have any suitable text color.

Select the text and choose a color that provides good contrast with the background.

Photoshop allows you to reposition text along the path.

Use the Type Tool to locate the text controls on the path and drag the text position to the desired location.

The position where text starts on a path can be changed.

This is especially useful when designing circular logos or curved headings.

Text can sometimes appear on the wrong side of a path.

You can reposition the text control across the path to change which side of the path the text follows.

A circular path is commonly used for logos and badges.

Create a circle path and then click the path with the Type Tool to make the text follow the circle.

       TEXT TEXT
    /             \
   |               |
    \             /
       CIRCLE

A curved or wave-shaped path can create an interesting heading.

Text follows:
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~             ~
   ~               ~

This effect can be useful in creative posters.

Shape tools can create paths that can be used with text.

For example, an ellipse can be used to create circular text.

A common logo design uses text around a circle.

     SOOPRO PATHSHALA
        __________
      /            \
     |    LOGO      |
      \____________/

The text can follow the upper portion of a circular path.

Text alignment affects how text is positioned relative to the path.

Use the appropriate alignment setting depending on where the text should begin and how it should follow the path.

Text on a Path supports normal character formatting.

• Font
• Font Size
• Color
• Tracking
• Kerning
• Style

Circular text is frequently used in badges and seals.

For example, you can place the name of an organization around the top of a circular badge.

Curved text can add creativity to posters and promotional designs.

Use it as a decorative heading rather than placing every piece of information on a curve.

Curved typography can make social media graphics visually different from ordinary text-based designs.

It can be used around photographs, icons, logos or decorative shapes.

Text on a Path can also use Layer Styles.

• Drop Shadow
• Stroke
• Outer Glow
• Color Overlay
• Gradient Overlay

Keep effects subtle so the text remains readable.

• Creating an unnecessarily complicated path
• Using a font that is difficult to read on curves
• Making the text too large
• Placing too much text on a short path
• Forgetting to adjust the text position
• Using excessive decorative effects

Practice creating curved text:

1. Create a new Photoshop document.
2. Create a curved path using the Pen Tool.
3. Select the Type Tool.
4. Move the Type Tool over the path.
5. Click the path.
6. Type a short heading.
7. Change the font and size.
8. Change the text color.
9. Adjust the text position along the path.

Create a simple circular training badge.

        SOOPRO PATHSHALA
       ________________
      /                \
     |      ADCA        |
     |       + AI       |
      \________________/

Create a circular path and place the organization name along the upper curve.

1. Plan the shape of the text.
2. Create a suitable path.
3. Select the Type Tool.
4. Click the path.
5. Type the required text.
6. Choose a readable font.
7. Adjust font size and color.
8. Move the text to the desired position.
9. Check spacing and readability.

Text on a Path allows you to create curved, circular and creative typography in Photoshop.

By creating a suitable path and using the Type Tool, you can make text follow straight or curved lines.

This technique is especially useful for logos, badges, posters, advertisements and social media designs.