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Photoshop Type on a Path Tutorial

05.14.2009 Bookmark and Share

This tutorial will show you how to create type on a path. It will take between 5-10 minutes to complete.

1. Select your pen tool, set it to “Path” and “Pen Tool” using the buttons towards the top left.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_01.jpg

2. Next create your path.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_02.jpg

3. Select the type tool and move the mouse over the start of your path. You’ll see the icon will change, when it does click and you’ll be able to start typing on your path. Type in some mock up text and then click the green check at the top or press the return key.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_03.jpg

4. You’re done, but if you want to finesses your path a little, choose the Direct Selection Tool.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_04.jpg

5. With the Direct Selection Tool click your path and the handles will appear. Move your points and handles until you’re happy with the text.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_05.jpg

6. The final results.
Photoshop_Type_on_a_Path_Tutorial_06.jpg

Sam Morris Photoshop Tutorials

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  1. jeanne levy
    December 4th, 2009 at 08:45 | #1

    Finally a little bit of knowledge about paths and anchor points! Thanks

  2. December 4th, 2009 at 19:02 | #2

    @jeanne levy
    Hi Jeanne, I’m glad you found it useful.

  3. February 27th, 2010 at 14:57 | #3

    I have been searching for verticle line with text for one week. Thank you so much!!

  4. zak
    March 19th, 2010 at 18:59 | #5

    totally rocks! made my project a LOT easier.

  5. jan
    May 6th, 2010 at 19:41 | #7

    Thank you! An understandable starting point – very helpful.

  6. Laura
    June 10th, 2010 at 20:12 | #8

    This is helpful, but when I start typing nothing appears. It's like there's not enough room for my text before the next anchor point? I don't understand.

    • June 10th, 2010 at 18:56 | #9

      Check your typography settings and make sure the font size isn't too big or small. Also check to make sure your baseline shift isn't set to a high value. Lastly make sure your path is simple, even just a straight line until you get it working. If that doesn't do it, open both the Paragraph and Character windows. On the top right of the palette there's the flyout menus (down arrow with 4 horizontal lines). Both windows will have reset options in those menus. From what you're describing I'm guessing the issue maybe be with your typography settings in Photoshop.

  7. Billie
    June 17th, 2010 at 19:43 | #10

    I have done this in the past, but now when I create a path and put my Text tool cursor over it, I cannot get the PATH TYPE cursor to appear. It's like it not detecting there is a path there. Any help? Thanks.

    • June 20th, 2010 at 01:33 | #11

      As I mentioned in my previous comment, look over all your path/type settings and make sure everything appears to be set correctly. If your settings seem ok, but it still isn't working I would recommend resetting your Photoshop preferences.

      This can be done by holding Ctrl-Alt-Shift in Windows (Command-Option-Shift on a Mac), then opening Photoshop. Right after the blue Photoshop splash screen comes up it will ask if you want to delete your Photoshop preferences. Click yes and all Photoshop options will be set to default.

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