Creating Vertical Text in Adobe Illustrator

Creating Vertical Text in Adobe Illustrator

Vertical text is a unique and visually appealing design element. It can be used to add a sense of drama, elegance, or intrigue to your designs. In Adobe Illustrator, there are two main methods for creating vertical text: the Vertical Type tool and the Character panel.

Using the Vertical Type Tool

The Vertical Type tool is a dedicated tool for creating vertical text. To use it, follow these steps:

1. Select the Vertical Type tool (Shift + T) from the toolbar.
2. Click anywhere on the artboard to create a new text box.
3. Type your text as normal. The text will appear vertically in the text box.
4. To resize the text box, use the Selection tool (V) to drag the handles on the edges of the box.

Using the Character Panel

You can also create vertical text using the Character panel. This method is more flexible, as it allows you to modify the orientation of existing text. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Select the text you want to make vertical using the Selection tool (V).
2. Open the Character panel (Window > Type > Character).
3. Locate the Type Orientation dropdown menu.
4. Choose Vertical from the menu.
5. The selected text will now appear vertically.
6. You can also modify the vertical spacing of the text by using the Vertical Scaling option in the Character panel.

Using the Transform Panel

You can also create vertical text using the Transform panel. This method is the most versatile, as it allows you to rotate and scale the text as well as change its orientation. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Select the text you want to make vertical using the Selection tool (V).
2. Open the Transform panel (Window > Object & Layout > Transform).
3. Click on the Rotation field and enter the desired angle.
4. The text will now be rotated 90 degrees, making it appear vertical.
5. You can also modify the scale of the text by using the Width and Height fields in the Transform panel.

Tips for Creating Vertical Text

Here are a few tips for creating vertical text in Adobe Illustrator:

• Choose the right font: Not all fonts look good when rotated vertically. Try using a font with a clean and simple design.
• Use a light color: Dark colors can make vertical text difficult to read. Use a light color that will stand out against the background.
• Use a generous amount of line spacing: Vertical text can be difficult to read if it is too close together. Use a generous amount of line spacing to improve readability.
• Use a sans-serif font: Sans-serif fonts are generally easier to read than serif fonts when rotated vertically.
• Consider using a drop shadow: A drop shadow can help to make vertical text stand out from the background.

Examples of Vertical Text in Use

Vertical text can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Headlines: Vertical headlines can add a touch of drama or sophistication to your designs.
• Callouts: Vertical callouts can be used to highlight important information or draw attention to specific areas of your design.
• Logos: Vertical logos can be a unique and eye-catching way to represent your brand.
• Labels: Vertical labels can be used to identify objects in your designs.
• Body copy: Vertical body copy can be used to add a touch of visual interest to your designs.

Conclusion

Vertical text can be a powerful tool for creating visually appealing and memorable designs. With a little practice, you can easily add vertical text to your own projects in Adobe Illustrator.