Threading text between objects


    Linking objects together lets the text thread (or continue) from one object to the next. Linked type objects can be any shape; however, they must be area type or type on a path (not point type).

    Each area type object contains an in port and an out port, which enable linking to other objects and creating a linked copy of the type object. When a port is empty, it means that all the text is visible and the object isn't linked. An arrow in a port indicates that the object is linked to another object. A red plus sign in an out port indicates that the object contains additional text. This remaining unseen text is called overflow text.

    Threading text between objects
    Threading text between objects

    When working with text that threads among objects, you can choose to show or hide the text threads. Text threads make it easy to see how objects are linked together.

To thread text between objects using in and out ports:

  1. Use the Selection tool to select an area type object.
  2. Click the in port or the out port on the selected type object. The pointer changes to the loaded text icon loaded text icon .
  3. Do one of the following:
    • To link to an existing object, position the pointer on the object's path. The pointer changes to a loaded path-text icon. Click the path to link the objects.
    • To link to a new object, click or drag on an empty part of the artboard. Clicking creates an object the same size and shape as the original; dragging lets you create a rectangular object of any size.

To thread text between objects using a command:

  1. Use the Selection tool to select an area type object.
  2. Select the object or objects you want to link to, and choose Type > Threaded Text > Create.

To display text threads:

  1. Choose View > Show Text Threads.
  2. Select a linked type object.