If you’re looking to take your text to the next level in Photoshop, learning how to type on a path is the way to go. It’s an easy technique to get the hang of, and it allows you to create all sorts of effects with your text. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to know to get started.
First, let’s quickly go over how to create a path. There are a few different options, but the easiest is using the pen tool. You can access it in the toolbar or by pressing “p” on your keyboard. You’ll add anchor points wherever you click, and as you add more, a path will form between them. You can curve the path by clicking and dragging. This tool is great for creating wavy text or other custom shapes.
If you want your text to follow a specific shape, like a circle or triangle, the shape tool is a better option. Access it in the toolbar, and make sure the mode is set to “path” in the options bar. Click and drag to create a path, and then you can type on it.
To type on a path, press “t” to access the type tool. Hover your cursor over the path, and click once when you see the squiggly line. Your text will then follow the path you created.
Once you’ve added your text to a path, you can format it to position it on one side or the other of the path, or even center it. To position your text, click on it and look for the little icon at the starting point. Hold “command” or “control” and click and drag it to define a new start point. You can also move the end point to adjust where your text sits on the path.
These two points also define your alignment. If you center align your text layer, it will center between your start and end point on your path. To flip your text from the outside to the inside of your path, hold “command” or “control” and click on one of the points, then drag inwards.
Once your text is on the path, you can adjust it just like any other text layer in Photoshop. Use the characters panel or the options bar to make any necessary adjustments.
That’s it! Whether you’re using a shape tool or a custom path, the same steps apply. This technique gives you a wealth of options for creatively shaping your text in any project. With a little practice, you’ll be typing on paths like a pro.