How to Convert Type to Outlines in Adobe Illustrator

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Fonts are cool, but sometimes you want to edit them directly as objects. Luckily Adobe Illustrator lets you take a font and make it into an editable object. This guide will get you started.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Computer
Adobe Illustrator
Open Illustrator document

Step1

Use the text tool to type some text onto your document.

Step2

Note that if you try to manipulate one of the letters with your white arrow tool, the letter remains as a font.

Step3

Now go to your black arrow tool, and select the letters.

Step4

Click on type/create outlines.

Step5

Select the white arrow tool, and click on one of the converted letters. It is now fully editable as a path, instead of a font. You can manipulate the object just as you would any other decorative element.

Tips & Warnings

Get into the habit of creating outlines before you print a project - that way you don't have to bundle the font for the printer.
Make sure that you have checked the spelling before you create outlines - there's no going back to a font from here.