How to Curve Text in InDesign.
Even if you have experience with Adobe InDesign graphic design software, sometimes it can be difficult for you to achieve the desired effect. In this article, we’ll break the learning curve and show you how to curve text in an InDesign document.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to curve text by creating a curved path, adding text along the path, and formatting the text to make your Indesign project look the way you want. If you’re working with vector graphics, learn how to mirror text on a path in Illustrator.
Create a Layer for Text
First, if your design will include both graphics and text, consider creating a separate layer for all typography.
Select Window > Layers to display the Layers panel, or use the keyboard shortcut F7. Then click the New Layer button to create a new layer.
Create a Path
InDesign has several tools that you can use to create a path. To create a curved path, you can either use the Ellipse Tool or the Pen Tool. While you can use any shape tool to create the path, in this example we’ll use the Ellipse Tool to create a perfect circle.
How to create the perfect circular path
First select the Ellipse tool. It can be hidden behind the Rectangle tool. If so, click and hold the drop-down arrow on the Rectangle tool icon until more options appear, including the Ellipse tool. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut L to activate the Ellipse tool.
With the Ellipse tool selected, hold down the Shift key and click and drag to create a perfect circle.
To create curved text in InDesign, you enter a path. This is the curved path where we will add the text.
Make the Path Invisible
Paths are invisible by default. However, if the foreground and stroke color are on, you’ll need to turn them off to make the outline invisible.
Use the Selection tool to select the circular path you just created. You can find the Selection tool at the top of the toolbox or by using the keyboard shortcut V.
With the Selection tool or Direct Selection tool selected, click the outline of the circle. Then select the property panel. In the Essentials workspace, select Windows > Properties to display the properties panel.
If a circle’s outline has a fill and/or stroke color applied, you’ll see it in the Properties panel. Select the None option under Fill.
Then do the same to remove the stroke. Select the None option in the Stroke section.
You should be left with a simple circular path with no fill or stroke.
Next, we’ll add text to the curved path line.
Add Your Text
To add text, first select the Type on Path tool from the toolbar. It can be hidden under the Text tool. Click and hold the mouse button on the text tool to open the Type on Path tool. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Shift + T to select the Text on Path tool.
Then, with the Text on Path tool selected, move the cursor to the circle. When you see the Plus icon next to the Text in Path icon, click on the circle. The plus sign means you can add text there.
Once you click on a path, you will see a cursor on the path where you can add text. Enter a line of text.
To adjust the font and font size, activate the character panel by choosing Window > Type and tables > Symbol, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + T or Command + T for Mac computers.
To set the font color, activate the Color panel by selecting Window > Color > Color, or use the keyboard shortcut F6. Select the text and apply color.
We will then place the text exactly where you want it on the circular path.
Move the Text Along the Curve
To move text along a curve, use the Selection tool to select the type on the path. Move the pointer over the type’s start or end bracket until an arrow icon appears next to the pointer. Avoid brace input and output ports – they are used to pass text frames from one to another.
Drag the text along the path to the desired location.
Type on a Path Options
The Type on Path tool has many options. Select Type > Type in Path > Options to display the dialog box.
You can add Effect, Align, and Spacing options.
Make sure the “Preview” checkbox is checked and try all the options in the “Effect” drop-down list. Rainbow is the default effect, but look at other effects like Stair or Slope to see which text effect you like best.
Check the Flip checkbox to place the anchor point inside the circle’s path. You can also use the Align options to adjust the position of the text relative to the path line. The base level is used by default. Typically, selecting ascending will align the top of the text to the path. Selecting Descender will align the bottom of the text with the path.
The Spacing option controls the spacing of the text around the curve.
Adobe Apps Work Together
The best part of Adobe Creative Cloud apps is how they work together. Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are essential graphic design tools. Check out some of our other tutorials:
How to link text boxes in Indesign How to apply a mask in Photoshop to hide layers How to cut out a shape in Adobe Illustrator
The more you work with Adobe applications, the more comfortable you will be in creating new designs.
How to Curve Text in InDesign
How to Curve Text in InDesign