How to Make Circular Types in Photoshop

Add text around any circular object using a Photoshop path.

Combining text with images is an effective technique that literally makes a statement. However, constantly typing text on a horizontal line restricts creativity. Photoshop overcomes this limitation by letting you define paths for text to follow. You can create text that follows a circular line by using a combination of the Elliptical Marquee, a work path and the Text tool.

Instructions

1. Go to "File", then "Open" and then select the image you want to enhance with text.

2. Choose the Elliptical Marquee from the Tool's panel. A circle outlined by a dashed line is the tool's icon.

3. Hold down the "Shift" key and then click and drag to draw a circular selection with the tool. Your selection does not have to be perfect, you can change the location and size later if necessary.

4. Locate the "Paths" panel. You will find it grouped with the Layer's panel by default. If the panel is not visible, go to "Window," then "Paths" and make sure it is checked.

5. Click the icon at the bottom of the Path's panel that looks like a circle with handles. This will create a new work path from the circular selection.

6. Adjust the work path's size and location. Click on the work path in the Path's panel and the press "Ctrl" and "T" to use Free Transform. Click and drag the corners to resize the path. Hold down the "Shift" key to maintain the proportions of the circle. Double-click inside the Free Transform box to apply the transformation. Choose the Path Selection tool, which is the black arrow icon in the third set of tools in the panel. Click on the work path and then drag to change its location. Fine-tune the positioning by pressing the arrow keys to nudge the work path.

7. Select the Horizontal Type tool from the Tool's panel.

8. Set the font, size and color for the type in the Options Bar.

9. Move the cursor over the path and a wavy line will appear on top, indicating you have aligned the Type tool with the path.

10. Click on the work path with the Type tool. This creates a new type path in the Path's panel.

11. Type your words or phrase and the type will follow the circular path.

Tips & Warnings

• You can continue to edit the path size and shape using Free Transform. Highlight the text to change its formatting.

• Hide the work path by going to "View," then "Show" and deselect "Target Path."

References

• Adobe Photoshop CS5: Create Type Along or Inside a Path
• Peachpit: Creating Type on a Path in Adobe Photoshop CS5; Adobe Creative Team
• Photoshop Essentials: Photoshop Text Effects: Wrapping Text in 3D; Steve Patterson