Expert: Roy Wilhelm - 3/29/2011

Question
How do rotate just one letter in a word? I need an upside down A.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

It's impossible to rotate an individual letter in "live" type—that is, type that is selectable with the cursor. However, if you convert the type to outlines, you can do anything you want to it. You can rotate it, change it's shape, delete certain paths or points that make up its structure, etc.

To convert type to outlines, select the text box containing the type, then press SHIFT+COMMAND+O (letter, not zero), or go to Type > Create Outlines.

If you convert an entire word to outlines, you will need to isolate the individual letter that you want to rotate. (You'll notice that when trying to select a single letter you end up selecting the whole word).

To isolate an individual letter:
1. Use your direct selection tool (white arrow) and select all of the points that make up the individual letter.
2. Go to Edit > Cut (CMD + X) to cut the letter to the clipboard.
3. Go to Edit > Paste in Place (CMD + SHIFT + OPTION + V) to paste the letter back in place.

To rotate the letter, select the letter then use the rotate tool found in the tool palette. It looks like an arrow moving in a circle.

Good luck!!

Roy