To change text formatting in Illustrator, you must first select the text you want to edit. You can then use the Properties panel, the Character panel, and the Type menu to modify the font family, size, color, spacing, and alignment. For advanced effects, you can also outline the text to convert it into a shape and use vector-editing tools.
Formatting text with the Properties panel
The Properties panel is a dynamic panel that changes depending on the tool and object you have selected. It is often the quickest way to access essential text-formatting controls.
-
Select the Type Tool (Tcap T
𝑇
) and create a text object by either clicking once for "point type" or dragging a box for "area type".
-
With the text selected, look for the Properties panel on the right side of your workspace. If you don't see it, go to Window > Properties.
-
Under the Character section, you can perform these actions:
- Change the Font: Click the font family dropdown menu to browse your installed fonts and Adobe Fonts.
- Change the Font Style: Next to the font name, use the dropdown to select a style, such as Bold, Italic, or Semibold.
- Change the Font Size: Type a new value or use the up and down arrows in the font size field.
-
Under the Paragraph section, you can change the text's alignment. Options include Align Left, Align Center, and Align Right.
-
To change the text color, make sure the text is selected, then click the Fill color box in the Properties panel and choose a new color from the Color Picker or Swatches panel.
In-depth formatting with the Character and Paragraph panels
For more detailed control over your text, use the dedicated Character and Paragraph panels. You can open these by going to Window > Type > Character and Window > Type > Paragraph.
The Character panel
This panel gives you precise control over character spacing and other attributes.
-
Leading ( ): Adjust the vertical space between lines of text. To change it, type a value or use the arrow buttons.
-
**Kerning (V/Acap V / cap A
𝑉/𝐴
):** Modify the spacing between two specific characters. Click between the letters with the Type Tool and adjust the kerning value. Use Metrics for automatic spacing or Optical for a visually balanced look.
-
**Tracking (V/Acap V / cap A
𝑉/𝐴
):** Adjust the spacing for a range of selected text. This expands or condenses the text uniformly.
-
Vertical and Horizontal Scale: Stretch or squash characters vertically or horizontally.
-
Baseline Shift: Move selected characters up or down relative to the baseline.
-
All Caps and Small Caps: Instantly capitalize your text.
-
Superscript and Subscript: Create smaller text positioned above or below the baseline.
The Paragraph panel
This panel contains advanced options for block text.
- Justification: Choose options like Justify All Lines to distribute text evenly between the left and right edges of a text box.
- Indentation: Control the space for the first line of a paragraph or the left and right indents for the entire paragraph.
- Space Before/After Paragraph: Add extra space between paragraphs to improve readability.
Advanced techniques for text formatting
Convert text to outlines
When your text design is finalized, you can convert it into an editable vector shape by creating outlines. This is critical for preparing files for professional printing or for custom design work.
-
Select the text object with the Selection Tool (Vcap V
𝑉
).
-
Go to Type > Create Outlines (or use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl + O on Windows or Shift + Cmd + O on macOS).
-
Once converted, the text is no longer editable with the Type Tool. You can now use the Direct Selection Tool (Acap A
𝐴
) to modify the individual anchor points of each character.
Use graphic styles
Graphic Styles can save you time by letting you apply complex formatting—including multiple strokes, fills, and effects—with a single click.
- Format a piece of text with a design you like.
- Select the text and open the Graphic Styles panel by going to Window > Graphic Styles.
- Click the New Graphic Style button (the small "plus" icon) at the bottom of the panel to save your formatting.
- You can then apply this style to other text objects by selecting them and clicking the saved style.
Apply effects and appearances
Illustrator offers a wide range of effects to add visual interest to your text.
-
Select your text and open the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).
-
Click the Add New Effect button (fxf x
𝑓𝑥
). You can add effects like 3D, Drop Shadow, Blur, or Warp.
-
Since effects are applied non-destructively, you can edit or remove them at any time in the Appearance panel.
Use the Eyedropper Tool
To quickly apply formatting from one text object to another, use the Eyedropper Tool (Icap I
𝐼
).
-
Select the text object you want to change.
-
Click the Eyedropper Tool (Icap I
𝐼
) in the toolbar.
-
Click on the text object that has the formatting you want to copy. All formatting attributes, including font, size, color, and spacing, will be instantly applied.