Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 5/19/2011

Question
QUESTION: I want to repeatedly edit text. When I warp the text to an arc and rotate it how I want, I can't go back and change the curve of the text without it undoing the rotation. How do I get it to stay put?

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

It should not change once you click to edit your text with the text tool, but it could have been how you initially set it up.

Once you input your text, apply your arc warp, by going to Effects>Warp>Arc. Then rotate your text as you see fit. If you need to edit the text, you should be able to click on the baseline of the text with the type tool and edit without losing any settings.

Thanks

Kevin

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. I am able to edit the text itself, but I can't change the warp settings without the rotation reverting. I did it just like you said; text first, then warp, then rotate, but when I go to adjust the warp again, it undoes the rotation.

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

Try using the transform command under the Effects menu instead of standard rotation. This will keep the rotation applied as an appearance instead of a traditional rotation.

Thanks

Kevin

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

QUESTION: OK that worked! 2 more questions: is there a way to have the preview box checked as the default for both the transform and the warp? After warping and transforming my text, how to I successfully select it so I can change the font size? I need to be able to change it to a particular point size, not just scale it and I'm having trouble selecting it.

Answer
Hi Karen,

No, there is no way to keep the preview turned on. You will have to check it every time. To change the font size, you will use the text tool to highlight the text and change the size. However, after warping and rotating it may be hard to see. So change your view to Outline mode and select the text that way.

Thanks

Kevin