How to Put Text on a Path or in a Shape in Adobe Photoshop CC

Sue Chastain is a former Lifewire writer and a graphics software authority with web design and print publishing credentials. She's also skilled in WordPress administration.

Updated on May 20, 2022

Graphic Design
- Photoshop
What to Know
- Draw the path for the text, select the Text tool, and then select the path where you want to start typing.
- Select the Paths selection tool (black arrow under Text tool), then select and drag the text along the path.
- If the text is cut off, select on the small circle and drag it farther along the path.
This article explains how to put text on a path or in a shape in Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 and later.

How to Create a Path or Shape for Text in Photoshop CC

To put text on a path in Photoshop:
1. Select one of the shape tools in the toolbox.
You can also use the Pen tool.

Draw the path for the text. When the Properties palette opens after you release the mouse button, set the Fill color to None and the Stroke Color to Black.

You can enter text above or below the path. Move the cursor to where you want the text to appear and click when it changes to an I-beam with a dotted circle around it.

Adjust the font, size, and color of your text in the tool options bar.

The text will be cut off if you move it outside of the visible area. To fix this, click on the small circle and drag it farther along the path.

If the Character palette isn't visible, select Windows > Character to open it.

You can also move the whole path with type attached using either tool. Use the Direct Selection tool to change the shape of the path.

You can also type on a path in Adobe Illustrator, but the steps are a little different.

All of the type tools work with type on a path or type in a shape. Your text is fully editable, and though it may appear jagged on screen, it will print just fine.

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