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Create Text that Follows a Path with Photoshop
One important feature of Photoshop is the ability to create text that follows a path. Paths are
special drawing objects. The path can be a straight line, convoluted line, or shape. This document
explains how that is done.
Adding Text to a Line
This is very useful if you need text that must follow a decorative line, such as a wave. It works
equally well for straight lines.
For this tutorial you will start a new image. Click File on the Menu bar, then Click New. The
New image panel will open.
We suggest that your new file be at least 600 pixels wide, 400 pixels high, with a resolution of
100 pixels per inch. The color mode is RGB. The details are illustrated below.
Click Create
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Select the Freeform Pen Tool on the Tool bar.
Click and drag to draw a path on your image. An example is shown below.
Select the Text tool on the Tool bar.
Place the Text tool on the path and click once. The mouse pointer will take on the Text I-beam
shape and a flashing line will appear on the path along with small X. The small illustration below
approximates what you will see.
Type your text. As you do so it will follow the path.
You may customize the text as needed. All of the usual options are available on the Tool Status
bar which is illustrated below.
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Adding Text to a Shape
Causing text to follow a shape is very similar, and just about as easy, as causing it to follow a
regular line path. Start with a new image or delete the
text and path from the image you used.
For this exercise we will use the Ellipse Tool. Select it
from the Shape Tools options on the Tool bar. That
menu series is illustrated on the right.
On the top line menu, confirm that the shape is set to no-fill
Click and draw a shape on your image.
Select the Text tool on the Tool bar as you did previously.
Place the Text tool on the ellipse path and click one.
As before, the mouse pointer will take on the I-beam
shape.
Type your text. The text will follow the path starting at
the point where you clicked and continuing around the
ellipse as shown.
The text will appear on as a Text Layer in the normal manner. You can edit the text using the
various standard text tools found on the Tool Status bar.
Roger Lipera 912 v2; 6/15; updated for CC, 6/18
