Tips for Type on a Path

Move or flip text along a path

1. Select the path type object.
   A bracket appears at the beginning of the type, at the end of the path, and at the midpoint between the start and end brackets.
2. Position the pointer over the type’s center bracket until a small icon appears next to the pointer .
3. Do one of the following:
   • To move text along the path, drag the center bracket along the path. Hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) to prevent the type from flipping to the other side of the path.
     
     

     Moving type along a path
   • To flip the direction of text along a path, drag the bracket across the path. Alternatively, choose Type > Type On A Path > Type On A Path Options, select Flip, and click OK.
     
     

     Flipping type along a path
     To move type across a path without changing the direction of the type, use the Baseline Shift option in the Character panel (see also below). For example, if you created type that runs from left to right across the top of a circle, you can enter a negative number in the Baseline Shift text box to drop the type so that it flows inside the top of the circle.
     For a video on creating type on a path, see www.adobe.com/go/vid0046.
     
     

     Shift the baseline

     Use Baseline Shift to move selected characters up or down relative to the baseline of the surrounding text. Shifting the baseline is especially useful when you’re hand-setting fractions or adjusting the position of a picture font.

     1. Select the characters or type objects you want to change. If you don’t select any text, the shift applies to new text you create.
     2. In the Character panel, set the Baseline Shift option. (If you don't see this option, use the upper right corner flyout menu to show more options. Positive values move the character’s baseline above the baseline of the rest of the line; negative values move it below the baseline.
        
        

        Type with different Baseline Shift

        
        

        For more Adobe type on path tips, visit the quick reference HERE
        
        TYPE CAN BE EITHER EDITABLE OR SELECTED AS AN OBJECT: For a review of how this affects your tool choices: See the Illustrator manual here