You’ll discover three techniques in this lesson for vectorizing text in Adobe Illustrator. Keep reading even if you already know how to outline a font since there are still some further steps you may take to complete the outlines.
Note: The tutorial’s screenshots were all captured using the Mac version of Adobe Illustrator CC. The appearance of Windows or other versions may vary.
3 Techniques for Text to Vector Shape Conversion
The most popular method is to turn text into outlines, but there are other options as well. For instance, you may use the Shape Builder Tool to convert pathways into text vectors or even use the Pen Tool to copy handwriting from paper.
1. Text-to-Outline Conversion
I strongly advise copying the text before making an outline since you won’t be able to modify the character style or font once the outline has been made.
To vectorize text, just follow the instructions listed below.
- The text you wish to vectorize should be selected.
- To outline the font or text, press the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + O (or Shift + Ctrl + O for Windows users). If you’re not comfortable using shortcuts, you can also choose Create Outlines from the context menu when you right-click on the text you’ve selected.
The live text transforms into a shape as you draw outlines. If you use the Direct Selection Tool to pick them, anchor points will be shown. Thus, you may alter the text in the same way that you would edit a form.
2. Text Made with Brushes and Vectorized
Adobe Illustrator brushes used to make text are already “vectorized,” but since they are strokes rather than forms, you will need to change them into shapes. To observe how it functions, adhere to the procedures below.
- Go to the overhead menu, select the text strokes you produced using the brushes, and then Path > Object > Outline Stroke.
The route became outlines, but there are overlapping forms between the strokes, as you can see.
It’s time to mix forms with the Shape Builder Tool.
- The Shape Builder Tool may be activated using the keyboard shortcut Shift + M or by selecting the outlines and selecting it from the toolbar.
Simply continue drawing across the highlighted shapes until no overlap remains. The final text should appear as seen here, with no overlapping outlines.
The text vector was correctly made, thus yes.
3. Vectorize Text Written by Hand
However, vectorizing handwritten text is a different matter entirely because it is more difficult and time consuming. To vectorize your handwritten text in Adobe Illustrator, follow these instructions.
- Open your handwriting in Adobe Illustrator after scanning it. You can also snap a photo if you don’t have a scanner. Because the aim is to trace the handwriting using the Pen Tool, it will work as long as the handwriting outlines are very distinct.
- Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar or start it up by pressing the P key on the keyboard. One at a time, begin tracing the letters you require.
Please feel free to check at my Pen Tool lesson, where I discussed the processes and tracing advice, if you are unfamiliar with the Pen Tool.
- After tracing all the characters, you should have a closed route and the text has already been vectorized. The Shape Builder Tool may be used to join the overlapped portions and apply a fill color to the text to complete it.
The wonderful thing about this approach is that you can build your own custom font by vectorizing your handwritten text, but you must utilize a font design program to do it.
A Conclusion
The approach you use will depend on the resources at hand. Use Method 1 if you have text that has been typed, Method 2 if you have text that has been made using brushes, and Method 3 if you wish to vectorize text that has been written by hand.
