Adobe InDesign CS5 - Manual (Page 374)

368 USING INDESIGN
Drawing
Last updated 11/16/2011
Working with text outlines
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.
More Help topics
“ Compound paths and shapes ” on page 363
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.
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