Applying path type effects


    Path type effects let you distort the orientation of characters on a path.

To apply a path type effect:

  1. Select the type object. (See Selecting type objects.)
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Choose Type > Type on a Path and choose an effect from the submenu.
    • Choose Type > Type on a Path > Type on a Path Options, choose an option from the Effect menu, and click OK.
    Illustration of Path type effects with these callouts: A. Rainbow B. Skew C. 3D Ribbon D. Stair Step E. Gravity
    Path type effects A. Rainbow B. Skew C. 3D Ribbon D. Stair Step E. Gravity

    You can apply the following effects:

    Rainbow

    Keeps the center of each character's baseline parallel to the path's tangent. This is the default setting because it looks the most natural.

    Skew

    Keeps characters' vertical edges perfectly vertical regardless of the path shape, while letting characters' horizontal edges follow the path. The resulting horizontal distortion is useful for text that appears to follow waves or go around a cylinder, as on a beverage-can label.

    3D Ribbon

    Keeps characters' horizontal edges perfectly horizontal regardless of the path shape, while keeping each character's vertical edges perpendicular to the path.

    Stair Step

    Keeps the left edge of each character's baseline on the path without rotating any characters.

    Gravity

    Keeps the center of each character's baseline on the path while keeping each vertical edge in line with the path's center point. You can control this option's perspective effect by adjusting the arc of the text's path.