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Entering horizontal or vertical type in a rectangle


    You can use the type or vertical type tool to define a text rectangle into which you enter type. This method is useful when you want to create one or more columns of text, such as for a brochure. You can also create a rectangle with the rectangle tool and then use any type tool to convert it to a text rectangle.

    Once you've entered type, you can change the shape and size of the text rectangle.

To create a text rectangle using a type tool:

  1. Select the type tool  the type tool or the vertical type tool  the vertical type tool . The pointer changes to an I-beam within a dotted box.
  2. Drag diagonally to define the text rectangle. The text rectangle you create is unpainted (not filled or stroked). Text rectangles are not visible in Preview view or when printing, unless filled or stroked with color. (See Using the Color palette.)
  3. When you release the mouse button, the pointer reverts to an I-beam. (In Outline view, a rectangle appears with an insertion point at the top left corner of the text rectangle.)

  4. Enter the type. The type wraps to fit inside the defined area.
  5. Press Enter or Return to begin a new paragraph.
  6. If you enter more type than can fit within the rectangle, a small box containing a plus symbol  the rectangle, a small box containing a plus symbol appears near the bottom of the rectangle when in Outline view or when the text rectangle or type is selected. The plus symbol is positioned at the end of the baseline of the last visible line of type.

    You can adjust the size of the rectangle to accommodate the type using either the bounding box or the direct-selection tool. When you adjust the size or shape of the rectangle, the text reflows within the adjusted shape.

    Note: If you select objects, point text, or path text in addition to a text rectangle, scaling with the bounding box will cause all objects, including the area text, to be rescaled.

    You can also create a linked copy of the rectangle to force extra type to flow into another text rectangle or object. (See Linking type containers.)

To change the size or shape of a text rectangle using the bounding box:

  1. Select the selection tool  the selection tool .
  2. Select the text rectangle to adjust.
  3. Drag a handle of the selection until the text rectangle is the desired size or shape. Shift-drag to maintain the proportion.

To change the size or shape of a text rectangle using the direct-selection tool:

  1. Select the direct-selection tool  the direct-selection tool .
  2. If the type is selected, click outside the rectangle to deselect it.
  3. Position the pointer on the edge of the text container you want to adjust. Do not select any type baselines.
  4. Click to select an edge or corner of the text rectangle, and drag to adjust the rectangle's shape. Shift-drag to constrain the tool to multiples of 45 degrees (constraining makes it easier to retain the shape of a rectangle).
  5. TipAdjusting the text rectangle using the direct-selection tool is easiest when you're in Outline view.