Shape Text

[SHOCKO!]

Hey people,

I have a simple question actually, i think. How do i make text in the shape of a shape (path) ??.
like i have a fish shape, and want to make the text in the shape of the fish...

I mentioned a fish shape because i saw a tutorial for this once, i think. but dont remember where, and i can't find it anymore :( someoe please help :cry:

Oiledmonkey's

[Koobi]

I usually use the pen tool to trace a path of the fish and then using the path type tool i just type.

I hope thats clear enough.

[SHOCKO!]

thanks, but i actually ment something like this:
http://boz.planet-d.net/thumb/gallery/GraphicDesign/boogiaposter.jpg
the text around the head. like that the text will shape like the path. i think that is possibly with illustrator, but dont know how :(

Oiledmonkey's

[Koobi]

ah...im not aware how it can be affectively done is AI :) but.....you might be able to Distort the text(with the Direct selection tool) after typing it and creating outlines (ctrl+shift+o or Type>Create outlines)

....just tried it out and i think there probably is a better way....but i've already typed it out lol

[SHOCKO!]

hey thanks bane you helped me a lot :) i didnt know you could do that with creating outlines, i am now testing it with distortion, like you said, there must be a better way but now, this is the best way for me :D:D thanks again

but it you or anyone else knows a better way please post it :D it would be very apreciated :) (ofcourse if i find outi will post it too)

Oiledmonkey's

[Koobi]

hey no prob :D

[MEANS]

I use a plug in called KPT Vector Effects, however it will not work in OSX in illustrator 10, so I have it installed in illustrator 9 and just back save my file and open it in illustrator 9, the tools are similar to illustrator 10's text warp but I like it much better, it contains about 8-10 filters, including warp, 3-dee, and spherize...just to name a few. I just wish they would update it soon!!

[synthz]

Oiledmonkeys, I'm new with AI, but there's already a preset in AI 10 on the object distortion section, maybe you could try Object/EnvelopeDistort/MakeWithWarp/Fish

[SHOCKO!]

hehe, thanks, but i dont want a fish, i said i just mentioned a fish shape because their was a tutorial with a fish shape but i can't find it :( so i asked here. I want my own shapes...not a fish shape :(

Oiledmonkey's

EDIT:

YES I HAVE FOUND IT PEOPLE! :P it was in one of ArtBrush's links :D:D:D

http://www.digitalmediadesigner.com/2002/04_apr/tutorials/illenvelope.htm

2. Use the envelope to reshape another object. Place the envelope path on top of the object you want to distort. With the selection tool, Shift-click to select the envelope and the other object, and choose Objects> Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object.

the one with the fish path :P thats the best way :D ow yea finally i found it i am so happy. now i can move on with my life :)

Oiledmonkey's

2nd edit: But I think BOZ used Envelope Distort>Make with Mesh...

because the font won't freak out in his work :)