Positioning the first line of text in an object


    When working with an area type object, you can control the alignment of the first line of text with the top of the object. This alignment is referred to as the first baseline offset. For example, you can make text stick up above the top of the object or fall a specific distance below the top of the object.

    Type with First Baseline set to Cap Height (left) compared to type with First Baseline set to Leading (right)
    Type with First Baseline set to Cap Height (left) compared to type with First Baseline set to Leading (right)

To change the first baseline offset:

  1. Select an area type object. (See Selecting type objects.)
  2. Choose Type > Area Type Options.
  3. For First Baseline, choose one of the following options:
    • Ascent so that the height of the d character in the font falls below the top of the type object.
    • Cap Height so that the tops of uppercase letters touch the top of the type object.
    • Leading to use the text's leading value as the distance between the baseline of the first line of text and the top of the type object.
    • x Height so that the height of the x character in the font falls below the top of the type object.
    • Em Box Height so that the top of the em box in Asian fonts touches the top of the type object. This option is only available when the Show Asian Options preference is selected. (See Working with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean type.)
    • Fixed to specify the distance between the baseline of the first line of text and the top of the type object in the Min text box.
  4. For Min, specify the minimum value for the baseline offset.
  5. For example, if you select Leading for First Baseline and specify a minimum value of 1p, Illustrator uses the leading value only when it's greater than 1 pica.

  6. Click OK.