Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 3/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kevin,

I've been trying to crack this nut for years: how to make text conform 100% to a circular path.
By that, I don't mean circular text -- using the Type on a Path Tool -- I mean every letter wrapping around a circle's perimeter.

I mocked up a quick and dirty example (please see attached JPG): on top is straight 'Type on a Path' text; below is what I'm talking about.
This was accomplished by warping each letter individually (Arch), then placing it -- easy enough for a 4-letter word ... not so much, for a longer string of characters.

I see this in advertising all the time. Clearly, someone out there knows how to do it.
:-)

Any help would be appreciated.

Sincere thanks for your time.

All the best,
Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve,

Have you tried to use the warp commands under the effects menu? The effect you are showing could be used with arc an adjustin the vertical perspective.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kevin.

Thank you for the reply.

Indeed, I've tried every combination of warp filter. The problem is that they generally affect the entire string of characters: the letters should only bow at the top and bottom; not skew sideways, squash, etc.

The only way I've been able to achieve this is to take each individual  letter, place it at the apex of a circle, apply the ARCH filter, then reposition it where it's supposed to be, which entails tedious rotation calculation. (Say that 10x.)
Again, not so bad for simple words (like TEST), but to have to go through that entire procedure for anything over 10 letters ...
There has to be an easier way.

I'm not yet willing to accept that Illustrator simply can't do this.
:-)

Thanks again for your time.

All the best,
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

The only other option I can think of is to try both text on a path and warping at the same time. Unfortunately you are going to have to be creative because there is no automatic way to create what you are trying to accomplish. There are a lot of thing I wish Illustrator could do, but doesn't. I wish there was an easy answer for you to try.

Thanks

Kevin