Path Options controls for the Path Text effect

You can adjust the following Path Options controls to specify the shape of the path:

Shape Type

Defines the shape of the path. The Path Text effect name must be selected in the Effect Controls window to make the path visible in the Composition window.

• Bezier shapes text along a Bezier curve, defined by four control points (Vertex 1/Circle Center, Tangent 1/Circle Point, Tangent 2, and Vertex 2). Characters that don't fit on the path are placed off the end in a straight line.
• Circle shapes text around the circumference of a circle, defined by two control points (Tangent 1/Circle Point, and Vertex 1/Circle Center). If the text is longer than the circumference of the circle, the text overlaps itself. If an arbitrary path is chosen and if the path is closed, this property forms the text around the path, as opposed to looping it.
• Loop shapes text around the circumference of the circle, defined by two control points (Vertex 1/Circle Center, and Tangent 1/Circle Point). If text is longer than the circumference of the circle, it flows off the Tangent 1 point in a straight line. You can also use margin controls to make text enter or exit a circle in a straight line.
• Line shapes text in a straight line, defined by two control points (Vertex 1/Circle Center, and Vertex 2). Note that, as with the Bezier path, the distance between the two control points does not affect the spacing of the text, unless alignment is set to Force (see Paragraph controls for the Path Text effect).

Control Points

Specify the points on the path.

• Tangent 1/Circle Point specifies the following points: starting tangent for a Bezier curve, diameter of a circle and starting or ending point of text (depending on specified alignment), and diameter of a loop and the point where text enters.
• Vertex 1/Circle Center specifies the starting vertex for a Bezier curve, center of a circle or loop, and starting or ending point for text on a line (depending on specified alignment).
• Tangent 2 specifies the ending tangent of the Bezier curve. The line between Tangent 2 and Vertex 2 specifies the slope of the curve at its ending point. For circles or loops, Tangent 2 is ignored.
• Vertex 2 specifies the ending vertex of a Bezier curve and the angle of a line. For circles or loops, Vertex 2 is ignored.

Custom Path

Specifies an arbitrary path. You can use a mask created in the Layer window or in Adobe Illustrator.

Reverse Path

Reverses the path.