How to Add Text to Pictures in Illustrator

With Illustrator, you can add text to images like this one.

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics program designers use to create layouts for print and online publications, among other things. With Illustrator, you can easily manage your art board by placing elements of your design in different layers. The Illustrator toolbox gives you quick access to tools you use regularly in the program. You can add simple or elaborate text to pictures within minutes by incorporating styles and effects, and make your objects blend in seamlessly with the rest of your design.

Instructions

1. Select "Open Document" in the startup wizard in Adobe Illustrator.

2. Find the file with the picture you want to add text to and double-click it. The document will be placed onto your page.

3. Create a new layer in the Layers palette, and place it just above the layer containing the picture.

4. Pick the "Text" tool from the toolbox. Then place your mouse within the art board and type in the text you'd like to insert.

5. Enlarge the text by choosing the "Selection" tool from the toolbox and grabbing the handles of your text. Alternatively, you can select "Type" and "Size" from the toolbar, then choose a text size.

6. Change the text font by selecting "Type" and "Font" from the toolbar. Then choose the font of your choice.

7. Change your text color by selecting a color from the "Swatches" palette and clicking on "Fill."

8. Save your document once you're satisfied with how it looks by selecting "File" and "Save As" from the toolbar. Accept the Adobe Illustration file type (AI) and click on "Save."

References

• Bioinformatics & Research Computing: Tools in Illustrator CS