Guides / Type on a Path
Text on a path in Illustrator, and how to flip it
Pick the Type on a Path tool from the Type tool group, click any path, and type. Drag the centre bracket along the path to slide the text and across the path to flip it inside. Type › Type on a Path › Type on a Path Options adds Rainbow, Skew, 3D Ribbon and spacing for tight curves.
JuicyType Strokes · screen recording goes hereSkip to JuicyType ↓
The manual way, in Illustrator
- Draw a path: an ellipse (L) for a badge, or any Pen stroke.
- Hold on the Type tool, choose Type on a Path, and click the path. Type your text.
- Hover the small centre bracket until the cursor shows a ⊥, then drag along the path to move the text or across it to flip.
- Open Type › Type on a Path › Type on a Path Options… for effect, alignment to path and spacing.
The path itself takes no fill or stroke once type is on it; draw a separate copy if you also want the line to show.
Steps drafted from Illustrator's documentation; to be checked in Illustrator 2025–2026 before launch.
Or, with JuicyType
2 effects in JuicyType
Type on a Path stays live type, so JuicyType effects apply directly to it.
JuicyType≡
Strokes✓
Sticker✓
Keep live text●
Apply
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Common questions
Can I have text on the top and bottom of a circle both reading upright?
Use two paths, or one circle cut in two with the Scissors, and flip the bottom text.
Why is my text spaced oddly on a tight curve?
Open Type on a Path Options and raise Spacing; it opens up letters on sharp bends.