How to Curve Text in InDesign

What You’ll Be Creating
Wondering how to curve text in InDesign? Then look no further! In this quick tip tutorial, we will be learning how to arch text in InDesign using the Text on a Path Tool. We’ll be using a circle for our curve to create a simple …


This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Zap Layden

Final product imageFinal product imageFinal product image
What You'll Be Creating

Wondering how to curve text in InDesign? Then look no further! In this quick tip tutorial, we will be learning how to arch text in InDesign using the Text on a Path Tool. We'll be using a circle for our curve to create a simple curving effect. You'll then be able to apply this technique to create any curve shape you need for your text!

For the purposes of this tutorial, we'll be using this Theater Poster from Envato Elements to help get us started. This will provide a nice starting point for us as we learn how to arch text in InDesign. You can also follow along with your own project, of course!

Envato Elements Theater PosterEnvato Elements Theater PosterEnvato Elements Theater Poster
This InDesign Graphic Template is available for download on Envato Elements.

What You'll Learn in This Tutorial

  • How to create a path in InDesign
  • How to curve text in InDesign
  • How to arch text in InDesign

Follow along with us on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel.

If you're looking for InDesign flyer templates to help you get started with curving text in InDesign, there is a wide selection available to you on Envato Elements. There are a lot of choices for InDesign graphic templates, which include flyers, brochures, and just about anything else you can think of. 

Envato ElementsEnvato ElementsEnvato Elements

1. How to Create a Curved Path in InDesign

Step 1

First we will need to create a curved path in InDesign in order to arc our text. While we're going for a simple arc, we will still need to create a path. We'll do this by using the Ellipse Tool to create a circle.

Open up your InDesign project. In our case, we are using this Theater template from Envato Elements.

InDesign Start Curve Text ProjectInDesign Start Curve Text ProjectInDesign Start Curve Text Project

Step 2

Let's recreate the header so that we can create a new header which follows a curve. Using the Selection Tool, click the existing header and then press Delete to remove it.

Curve Text Create a PathCurve Text Create a PathCurve Text Create a Path

Step 3

Before we can get started with curved text, we will have to create a path for it to follow. As we just want a simple curve we will use a simple circle. Select the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar.

Tip: As it's not the default shape tool, you may have to click and hold the icon to see it.

Curve Text InDesign Select Curved Path ToolCurve Text InDesign Select Curved Path ToolCurve Text InDesign Select Curved Path Tool

Step 4

With the Ellipse Tool selected, hold down Shift and then click and drag to create your circle shape. This circle is what our text is going to curve on, so keep that in mind.

Curve Text Crate Curved Path in InDesignCurve Text Crate Curved Path in InDesignCurve Text Crate Curved Path in InDesign

Step 5

Make sure that both the base color and stroke color are turned off so the path is not visible. You can change these settings in the Properties panel while the shape is selected.

Tip: You can find the Properties panel by going to Window > Properties.

Curve Text Curved Path PropertiesCurve Text Curved Path PropertiesCurve Text Curved Path Properties

2. How to Curve Text in InDesign

Step 1

Now let's move on to the type! Select the Type on a Path Tool from the toolbar.

Tip: Click and hold the Text Tool to reveal it.

Curve Text Type on. a Path Tool InDesignCurve Text Type on. a Path Tool InDesignCurve Text Type on. a Path Tool InDesign

Step 2

Now, with the Type on a Path Tool selected, click on the circle when you see the "add text" icon shown below.

Curve Text Type Text on CurveCurve Text Type Text on CurveCurve Text Type Text on Curve

Step 3

Go ahead and type the text you need for your project!

Tip: To adjust the settings of your type, you can go to Window > Type & Tables > Character. You can also change the color by clicking on the color palette in the toolbar.

Curve Text Change Text PropertiesCurve Text Change Text PropertiesCurve Text Change Text Properties

Step 4

Now that you have your text typed, you'll want to move around the curve. Using the Selection Tool, select the shape and move towards the text anchor point. You will see an icon with an arrow when you're at the right point. Click, hold, and drag to move your text around the curve.

Curve Text Move Text Along CurveCurve Text Move Text Along CurveCurve Text Move Text Along Curve

Step 5

Now let's take a look at the various settings we can use for Text on a Path. With the text selected, go to Type > Type on a Path > Options.

Curve Text InDesign Type On a Path Tool SettingsCurve Text InDesign Type On a Path Tool SettingsCurve Text InDesign Type On a Path Tool Settings

Step 6

This will open the Type on a Path Options window. From here, we can change all kinds of settings in relation to the curve.

Flip will flip the anchor point around to the inside of the curve.

Curve Text InDesign Settings FlipCurve Text InDesign Settings FlipCurve Text InDesign Settings Flip

Step 7

The default Effect is Rainbow, which is a nice balance. However, you can try out the other options too, such as Skew.

Curve Text InDesign Settings EffectCurve Text InDesign Settings EffectCurve Text InDesign Settings Effect

Step 8

Now you will want to check out the Align options dropdown. The default, Baseline, will put the base of the text on the outside of the path. Center will align it to the center. Ascender is a great way to place InDesign type inside a circle. Try out all the different align settings!

Curve Text Settings AlignCurve Text Settings AlignCurve Text Settings Align

Step 9

You may have noticed when trying out different alignment options that the spacing changed dramatically. We can manually change the spacing to ensure all of our text lines up to meet our needs. Use the Spacing arrows to increase or decrease the spacing as needed.

Curve Text Settings SpacingCurve Text Settings SpacingCurve Text Settings Spacing

Step 10

When you're satisfied, go ahead and press OK. You can adjust the shape of the path, the type itself, and the settings as much as you see fit.

Curved Text Project FinishCurved Text Project FinishCurved Text Project Finish

There you have it! Now you know how to convert InDesign text to curves. You can use the Ellipse Tool to place InDesign type inside a circle too. Using this technique, you're not limited to using a circle shape. Try out different-shaped paths and see where your creativity takes you!

Speaking of creativity, are you looking for a spark of inspiration or a start on your next InDesign project? Then you should check out some of these InDesign templates from Envato Elements.

1. Art Gallery Flyer (INDD, AI, PSD, AI)

Envato Elements InDesign Template Art Gallery FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Art Gallery FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Art Gallery Flyer

Check out this Art Gallery flyer! It comes in an easy-to-use InDesign template. Just download and open up with InDesign, and you're ready to go!

2. Magazine InDesign Template (INDD, PSD)

Envato Elements InDesign Template MagazineEnvato Elements InDesign Template MagazineEnvato Elements InDesign Template Magazine

This magazine template could be a great start to your next printed magazine project. It comes in a neatly laid-out InDesign file with plenty of opportunity to change InDesign text to curves.

3. Healthcare Flyer Template (INDD, AI, EPS, PSD)

Envato Elements InDesign Template Healthcare FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Healthcare FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Healthcare Flyer

Looking for a neatly organized healthcare flyer? Then check this one out! It comes with an INDD file which makes it easy to get going and add your own custom content.

4. Sale InDesign Flyer Template (INDD, AI, EPS, PSD)

Envato Elements InDesign Template Sale FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Sale FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Sale Flyer

This InDesign template design is perfect for promotions and sales. It's a great opportunity for learning to curve text with InDesign. It comes with an INDD file, so it's straightforward to get working quickly.

5. Speaker Poster (INDD, PSD, EPS, AI)

Envato Elements InDesign Template Speech FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Speech FlyerEnvato Elements InDesign Template Speech Flyer

Check out this eye-catching event flyer template for InDesign. It comes with a handy INDD file so you can download it and get started right away!

Looking to learn more about InDesign? Then check out these amazing tutorials from Envato Tuts+!


This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Zap Layden


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