How to Create Photoshop Type On Path: Quick Tips & Easy Method

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Today, we are going to tackle a super fun and useful skill: Photoshop type on path. Have you ever seen a logo with text curving around a circle? Or maybe a poster where the words flow like a wave? That is not magic; it is a simple tool in Adobe Photoshop. Whether you are new to graphic design or just need a refresher, this guide will help you master it. We will write this in very simple steps so anyone can follow along.

What is the Photoshop Type on Path Tool?

Before we start clicking buttons, let us talk about what this tool actually is. In most simple writing apps, you type in a straight line from left to right. But design is not always straight. Sometimes, you want your words to have a shape.

The Photoshop type on path feature allows your text to stick to a line or a shape. This “line” is called a path. A path is like an invisible wire. When you attach text to it, the letters sit on that wire like birds on a telephone line. If the wire curves, the text curves.

If the wire goes in a circle, the text goes in a circle.

Understanding the Basics of Text and Paths

To make this work, you need two things: a text layer and a path. You can make a path out of anything.

It can be a perfect circle made with the ellipse tool. It can be a square made with the rectangle tool.

Or, it can be a squiggly line you draw yourself.

When you combine the type tool with a path, Photoshop creates a special kind of relationship between them. The text is still editable.

You can fix spelling mistakes or change the font size. But now, it follows the rules of the path.

Why Use Type On A Path For Design?

Why would you want to do this? There are many reasons!

• Logo Design: Many logos use text inside a circle. Think of badges or stickers.
• Text Effects: You can make text look like it is sliding down a hill or wrapping around a person’s head.
• Artistic Layouts: Straight text can be boring. Curved text feels more dynamic and fun.

Even with the rise of generative AI, knowing these manual skills is key. AI can make a picture, but it often messes up text. A human designer knows exactly where every letter should go.

How to Create A Photoshop Type on Path Using Shapes?

Let us start with the easiest method: putting text on a shape. We will use a circle for this example, as it is the most common request we get.

Step 1: Selecting the Shape Tool (Circle, Rectangle, Polygon)

First, open Adobe Photoshop. You want to look at the tools panel on the left side of your screen.

Look for the shape tools. Usually, the rectangle tool is on top. If you click and hold your mouse button on it, you will see a list of other shapes.

Select the ellipse tool. This is the tool we use to make circles and ovals.

Tip: If you do not see it, check if you are in the Photoshop basics section of your workspace, or search for “Ellipse” in the help bar.

Step 2: Drawing Your Shape on the Canvas

Now, look at the options bar at the top of the screen. This bar changes depending on what tool you have picked. Near the far left of the options bar, you will see a drop-down menu that usually says “Shape“.

You have various options here, but for this technique, you can leave it as “Shape” or switch it to “Path“. If you leave it as “Shape“, it creates a colored shape on a new layer. This is fine.

Go to your canvas. Click and drag to draw your circle.

• Designers Choice Tip: To make a perfect circle, hold down the shift key on your keyboard while you drag. If you do not hold the shift key, you might get an egg shape.
• Try to make a circle about the size of a golf ball or an orange on your screen so you have plenty of room to work.

You will see a thin outline appear. This is your path.

Step 3: Activating the Type Tool and Clicking the Path

Now, go back to the tools panel and click the type tool. It looks like a big letter “T“. Specifically, you want the horizontal type tool.

Move your mouse over the edge of the circle you just drew. Watch your cursor closely.

• Normally, the cursor looks like a box around the letter I.
• When you touch the edge of the shape, you will see a cursor change. The box around the “I” disappears and turns into a dotted wavy line.

This dotted wavy line is the secret signal! It tells you that if you click now, the text will stick to the shape of the path.

Step 4: Typing and Formatting Your Text

Click once on the edge of the circle. You will see a blinking line. Now, just type! You can type “Designers Choice” or “Best Coffee in Town“.

Notice how the letters wrap around the curve.

• If the text is too big, select it and change the font size in the options bar.
• We recommend a clean font like Futura Condensed Medium for circular text because it is easy to read.

When you are done typing, click the checkmark at the top or press Enter (on the number pad) to finish. You now have a type layer that is shaped like a circle!

Mastering Photoshop Type on Path With the Pen Tool

Shapes are great, but sometimes you want a path that flows like a river. For this, we use the pen tool.

Drawing Custom Curves With the Pen Tool

Select the pen tool from the tools panel. It looks like the tip of an ink pen.

• Click on the left side of your canvas to make a dot (an anchor point).
• Move to the middle, click, and drag. This creates a curve.
• Move to the right side and click again.

You have now created a freeform path. It is not a shape; it is just a line. This works exactly the same way as the circle.

How to Snap Text to A Custom Path?

Select the text tool again. Hover over your new wavy line.

Wait for that dotted wavy line icon to show up near your cursor. Click on the line. Now, type your text. The words will surf along the wave you drew. This is perfect for text effects where words need to flow around an object, like a person’s head or a mountain.

Adjusting the Start and End Points of Your Text

Here is where it gets a little tricky, but do not worry. When you type on a path, Photoshop puts invisible marks at the start and end of your text. Sometimes, your text starts in the wrong spot.

To fix this, we need a special tool called the path selection tool.

• Go to the tools panel.
• Look for the arrow tools. There is a black arrow and a white arrow.
• Select the black arrow. This is the path selection tool.

Hover your mouse over your text. Your cursor will change to an I-beam with a small arrow pointing left or right.

• Click and drag the text along the line. You can slide it to the left or right.
• You will see two points: an ‘X‘ (the start) and a circle (the end).
• Use the path selection tool to drag these points so your text sits exactly where you want it.

Advanced Techniques For Photoshop Type on Path

Now you know the basics. But what if you want the text to be inside the circle? Or flipped upside down? This is a very common question, and our photoshop type on path flip technique is essential.

Flipping Text to the Inside Of A Circle

Imagine you are making a stamp style logo. You have text on top that curves up, and text on the bottom that curves down.

If you just type on the bottom of a circle, the text will be upside down. We do not want that! We want it to be readable.

Here is the secret:

1. Draw your circular path.
2. Type your text. It will sit on the outside.
3. Select the path selection tool (the black arrow).
4. Move your cursor over the text.
5. Click and drag the text toward the center of the circle.

Snap! The text will flip to the inside of a circle. Now it is on the original side but facing inward.

You might notice the text looks a bit cramped. Since it is inside the circle, the letters get squished.

• Go to the character panel (Window > Character).
• Find the “Tracking” option (it looks like VA with arrows).
• Increase the number to add space between letters.

Distorting and Warping Text Along A Curve

For a fun effect, you can use the warp text feature.

• Select your type layer.
• Look at the options bar for an icon that looks like a T on a curved hill. This is warp text.
• Click it to see various options. You can make text bulge, twist, or look like a fish.

This is different from a path because it distorts the letters themselves, making them fat or thin.

Creating Spiral Text Effects

Want to make a spiral? You can do this with the pen tool or adobe illustrator if you have it.

In Photoshop CC, you can draw a spiral path by hand.

• Draw a loose spiral with the pen.
• Click with the text tool.
• Type a very long sentence.
• The text will curl all the way into the middle!

Troubleshooting Common Photoshop Type on Path Issues

Sometimes, Photoshop type on path not working is a search term we see a lot. Things can go wrong. Here is how to fix them.

Why is My Text Disappearing?

You are typing, and suddenly… poof! The end of the sentence is gone. This usually happens because the text is too long for the path.

• Switch to the path selection tool.
• Look for a small circle or square at the end of the text on the path line.
• If this point is too close to the start, the text gets cut off.
• Drag the endpoint further down the path to reveal the hidden words.

Also, check your text alignment.

If your text is “Center Aligned” but you clicked at the very end of the path, half your text might be hanging off the edge into space.

How to Hide the Path Line After Typing

Once you are done, you might still see that thin black line or circle. It can be annoying when you are trying to view your final result.

• This line does not print, but it distracts you.
• To hide it, simply click on a different layer in the layers panel, like the background layer.
• Or, press Ctrl + H (Command + H on Mac) to hide extras.

Fixing Spacing and Kerning Issues on Tight Curves

If you put big text on a small circle, the letters might crash into each other.

• Use the character panel again.
• Adjust the tracking (space between all letters).
• You can also use baseline shift. This moves the text up or down from the line.
• A negative number in the baseline shift box will move the text closer to the center. A positive number moves it away. This helps the text float nicely.

FAQ’s:

How Do I Flip Text On A Path in Photoshop?

Use the path selection tool (the black arrow). Click on your text and drag your mouse cursor across the line of the path.

If you are on the outside, drag inside. The text will flip instantly.

How Do I Remove the Path Line After Typing Text in Photoshop?

You cannot “remove” it because the text needs the path to sit on. However, you can hide it. Just click on another layer, like the background layer, in the layers panel. The line will vanish from view, but the text stays.

Can I Edit the Shape of the Path After I Have Typed On It?

Yes! Use the direct selection tool (the white arrow). Click on the path line. You will see little squares called anchor points.

Drag these squares to change the shape. The text will automatically move to fit the new shape. It is like a smart object that updates itself.

Why Is My Text Upside Down When Using Photoshop Type on Path?

This happens based on the direction of the path you drew or where you clicked. To fix it, grab the path selection tool and drag the text to the other side of the path line. It will flip right-side up.

Which Version of Photoshop Supports Type on Path?

This feature has been around for a long time. It works in Photoshop CC, CS6, and even older versions. Whether you use the latest version with generative ai tools or an old disc version, you can do this.

Conclusion

We hope this guide makes you feel more confident using the Photoshop type on path tools.

At Designers Choice, we believe that mastering the basics is the best way to grow. Whether you are using a custom shapes tool, the pen tool, or just a simple, perfectly circular path, adding curved text can make your designs look professional and unique.

Remember, the next step is practice.

Open a new document, draw a dotted wavy line, and start typing. Play with the direct selection tools and see what happens when you drag the double arrows. Do not be afraid to make mistakes; that is how we all learn.

If you ever feel stuck or need high-quality assets to finish your project, check out Adobe Stock or browse our own curated resources here at Designers Choice. We are here to support your creative journey every step of the way. Happy designing!