Text on a Path - my way!
by Maureen Williams

There are lots of tutorials around that explain how to put text on a curve but if you're at all like me, they all sound like Double Dutch! Most use a Bezier curve and we (the Bezier Curve and I) really don't make good bed fellows. A while back now, In desperation, I stumbled across a very easy way to put text on a path of any kind - may be a bit unconventional but it works for me. I hope. if the need arises, it works for you too. I'm using Version 7.04.

Version 8 - Updated 7th Feb 2004
It is even easier in V8 than in V7 - the relevant changes are shown in red

I've used a rainbow tube for my shape in this explanation but the same principle works for any object, preset shape etc.

1. Create a new Raster Layer above your shape, image etc. Don't forget the step for Version 7

Version 8 - it isn't necessary to create a new layer above your shape.

2. In the Styles Palette set your foreground colour to your desired text colour and the background to Null.

3. Click on the Draw Tool, set type at Point to Point, Line Width 1, Antialias and Create as Vector checked.

Version 8 instructions
Click on the Pen Tool and use the following settings:
Contiguous - checked
Create as Vector - checked
Mode - Drawing
Segment Type - Point to Point
Width - 1

4. Left Click at the beginning of where you want your text to appear and then following the line where you want your text, Left Click at about 1/2" intervals.

5. Click and drag on any of the little squares (they will turn to a solid colour) to adjust your line as desired.

Version 8 - When you click on a node a double ended arrow will indicate the node can be moved.

6. Select your Text Tool and position it on the line you have drawn at the beginning of where you want the text to be. You will notice a +A will appear on the line.

7. Left Click to open the Text Entry box. Select your desired font, width colour etc. Click on the little arrow in the Fill Box and select the colour of your choice. Now type in desired text and click OK.

8. While the text is selected add any embellishments you may want ( inner bevel, drop shadow, SBP etc) and then Deselect.

NOTE: When asked, say Yes to defloat the selection down to the nearest Raster Layer. (You DID remember to open a new Raster Layer before we started all this, didn't you???)

In this pic I have renamed my Raster layer "Text" and the Vector Layer 2 has my line in it. You can now delete the Vector layer if you wish or turn it of by click on the eye glasses if you aren't sure you want to remove it yet.

Version 8 Note - When you deselect the text it becomes a Promoted selection - there is no need to defloat the selection. You can now turn off or delete the Vector layer with the line in it.

This is what you should have. In case you're wondering, the line in the pics above were to demonstrate how you can move the line anywhere you want - I readjusted around the rainbow before I did my text.

If you want to create more text in a different place, create a new layer above the Text layer (or the Vector layer if you have only turned it off) and repeat the procedure from Step 2.

NOTE: Don't forget to reset the background to Null in the Styles palette before you do your line. This is the hardest part - remembering to do this bit! LOL I got so excited at my new find I kept forgetting to do this.