Adobe InDesign CC 2015 - Manual (Page 465)

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Drawing and painting
Last updated 6/6/2015
A Type character before conversion to text outline B Text outline with image pasted into it C Text outline used as a text frame
Because converted text outlines become sets of compound paths, you can edit individual subpaths of converted outlines
by using the Direct Selection tool. You can also break the character outlines into independent paths by releasing them
from the compound path.
Convert text outlines to paths
By default, creating outlines from type removes the original text. However, if you prefer, you can make outlines appear
over a copy of the original text, so that none of the text is lost.
When you select type characters in a text frame and convert them to outlines, the resulting outlines become anchored
(inline) objects that flow with the text. Because the converted text is no longer true type, you will no longer be able to
highlight and edit the characters using the Type tool. In addition, typographical controls will no longer apply. Make
sure that you’re satisfied with the typographic settings of the type you convert to outlines, and be sure to create a copy
of the original text.
1 Use the Selection tool to select a text frame, or use the Type tool to select one or more characters.
2 Choose Type > Create Outlines.
Convert a copy of text outlines to paths
1 Use the Selection tool to select a text frame, or use the Type tool to select one or more characters.
2 Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) as you choose Type > Create Outlines. The copy is created exactly
on top of the original; use the Selection tool to drag it away, if you like.
More Help topics
Selecting objects
Compound paths and shapes
Change corner appearance
You can use the Corner Options command to quickly apply corner effects to any path. Available corner effects range
from simple, rounded corners to fancy ornamentation.