Entering type in an areaArea type uses the boundaries of an object to control the flow of characters. When the type reaches a boundary, it automatically wraps to fit inside the defined area. Entering type this way is useful when you want to create one or more paragraphs of text, such as for a brochure. There are two methods for creating area type. If you want to define a rectangular area, you can drag with the Type tool or Vertical Type tool. If you want to define another shape, you can use the Type tool, Vertical Type tool, Area Type tool, or Vertical Area Type tool to convert any path on the artboard into a container for area type. ![]() Creating a type area by dragging (top) compared to converting an existing shape to a type area (bottom) Illustrator provides a variety of features for working with area type. You can change the size and shape of a type area, adjust the alignment and spacing of text within the area, create rows and columns of text, thread text so that it flows from one object to another, wrap text so that it flows around a piece of artwork, and speed up the display of type when you don't need to read the text in your artwork. (See Working with blocks of type.) To enter type in an area:
Note: If the object is an open path, you must use the Area Type tool to define the bounding area. Illustrator draws an imaginary line between the endpoints of the path to define the boundaries for the type. If you enter more type than can fit within the path, a small box containing a plus symbol (+) appears near the bottom of the bounding area. For more information on displaying overflow text, see Resizing a type area and Threading text between objects. |