3 Ways to Convert Text to Vector Adobe Illustrator

Convert Text to Vector using Adobe Illustrator. In this Adobe Illustrator tutorial, I'll discuss 3 ways to convert text to vector, including converting fonts to outlines, the best way to identify fonts, how to get high quality images of fonts you don't have so you can image trace them, and how to recreate text by hand with the pen tool.

First, I discuss converting text to outlines. This is primarily done because the printer, plotter, or CNC router requires it in order to create the artwork correctly.

Secondly, I discuss converting raster fonts to vector fonts. My first recommendation is to identify the font and find a free font if possible.

If THAT doesn't work, it's time to redraw the text with your pen tool.

I'll show you how to do all of this. Here are some timestamps to help you bookmark and navigate through this video after you've watched the entire thing and need refreshers:

Definitions: beginning of video
Convert Text to Outlines: 0:49
Why Do I need to Convert Text to Outlines?: 0:58
Hotkey for Converting Text to Outlines: 1:57
Easily Tell if Text is Outlined or Not: 3:14
Convert Raster Text to Vector Text: 3:38
How to Identify a Font: 4:02
How to Get High-Resolution Image of a Font Which You Have Successfully Identified: 6:56
How to Vectorize a Font Using LiveTrace: 8:49
How to Vectorize a Font Using the Pen Tool: 9:49

#texttovector #texttooutlines #vectorizetext

[fanplicity]

Simply the most helpful video on the topic of turning text into a vector or to outline the text! AMAZING! Thank you!

[mittiwat]

It would also be great if you also navigate the other way to make the outline through clicking on the menu TYPE, then click on CREATE OUTLINE. Because sometimes, remembering CTRL+SHIFT+O, sometimes can be more difficult to remember.

[ofXsacredXflame]

I fell into the first category. Such an easy fix! Thank you!

[AJ-wgxv]

I know a third reason to convert text to outline. Our customer was asking for us to use "Helvetica Condensed Italic" for a silk screen but the standard font set on my computer does not include that so I downloaded one from a web site. When I looked at the text, everything looked great but when I printed, there were tiny dots all around it which would cause a reject as you can imagine. By converting to outlines, this problem disappeared. Thanks for your help in solving this problem.

[lovemadeinjapan]

I'm looking for a similar but seemingly impossible variation: I want to vectorize bitmap fonts by turning the shape into exact pixel-contours, like if it turns into perfect squares that get united into polygons. All vector tools seem to try to interpolate into fluent shapes.

[myllinescarrasquilloescale]

That was THE BEST explanation, EVERRRR! Thanks! You gave me hope. I'm gonna try again!

[markaj_]

After 2 years you made a follow up, nice

[blvoelk]

Hi, Could you possibly tell me how to create text into a single line rather then an outline. I need to make an SVG but I need the text to be single lined. I cannot figure out how to do that anywhere. Love all your videos, they have been so helpful!!!!

[Igoya]

Nice tut's! You have some "easy listetning" channel. Easy and fully informational! Aside from that I already know some of these things, I think that your videos can be real good starting (and even more), but really, really, real point to start and evoluate some technicniques in future, for some ppl!

[IoanaHaitchi]

Hi! Can you tell me the settings of your document before you start? Many thanks!

[jamess]

I wish MyFont still had the 'Fit To Width' option available.

[adrianvillalobos]

When a font is converted to outlines, an outline is added to it which makes the font thicker. It's barely noticeable on thick fonts because the outline is so thin, but particularly noticeable when converting really thin fonts. Is there a way of avoiding this? I am designing a logo and want to use a font that looks really good when thin, but when I convert it to outlines it looks slightly thicker and it just ruins its look. I need to convert to outlines because I want to export as SVG which looks really sharp on a website and can be resized without pixelation.

[BoredThatsWhy]

Please can you make the pen tool tracing video in details like you did here? The pen tool is just killing me in ai and psd

[picassie]

This was fantastic! Thank you so much for the clear and concise walkthrough :) you have a new subscriber!

[russelrealeza]

One word man, you just helped me by being efficient with the short-cut key. Thanks Cary!

[endimios]

"Select the text" has a different meaning for most people using digital editing tools.

[peterdelfin]

this is so helpful! thank you! you got yourself a new sub!

[Arleneim]

This was a great help and saved me a lot of time so thanks!

[littlecarp]

How can you export just the text without the background? I need to use the text as a Logo with no background

[Strakos]

Yes. I have found a professional. I am getting Ai as it is a must-have for my projects.
Thank you.