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Specifying baseline shift


    Baseline shift controls the distance that type appears from its baseline, either raising or lowering the selected type. The Baseline Shift option lets you create subscripts or superscripts or move path type above or below a path without changing the direction of the type flow. For example, using the path-type tool on a circle positions type above the circle. Using the Baseline Shift option, you can move the type inside the circle without changing the type's orientation.

    A positive value moves type above the baseline; a negative value moves it below the baseline. Baseline shift is measured by points unless you change the option set in the Type pop-up menu in the Units & Undo Preferences dialog box.

To specify baseline shift using the Character palette:

  1. Select a type container or type path using a selection tool, or select a block of type using the type tools.
  2. If the Baseline Shift button  the Baseline Shift button is not visible in the Character palette, choose Show Options from the palette menu.
  3. Enter a value in the Baseline Shift text box, or press Up Arrow or Down Arrow to increase or decrease baseline shift.
  4. Press Enter or Return.