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Graphicability
Participating Frequently
April 11, 2018
Answered

Custom text frame to a custom shape

  • April 11, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 8057 views

I have accidentally clicked on a custom shape with my text tool and converted it to a text frame. I did it a while ago, so undo is not an option. I would like to convert it back to just a shape. I cannot find how to do this. This happens occasionally which makes selecting the frame harder.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Michael Riordan

    Ha! There is an easier way! Delete any text from the shape. Use the direct select tool to select the edge of the path. In the Appearance panel give the shape a fill or stroke. Use the selection tool to reselect the shape. Go to Type>Create Outlines and all will be well in the world again.

    3 replies

    Michael Riordan
    Michael RiordanCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    April 11, 2018

    Ha! There is an easier way! Delete any text from the shape. Use the direct select tool to select the edge of the path. In the Appearance panel give the shape a fill or stroke. Use the selection tool to reselect the shape. Go to Type>Create Outlines and all will be well in the world again.

      Michael Riordan
      Michael Riordan
      Inspiring
      April 11, 2018

      Geez, some days I just can't stop myself from doing things  the hard way. Easiest yet, Use the group selection tool or hold option/alt while clicking with the direct select tool on the edge path of the shape. Copy and paste. Done.

      Michael Riordan
      Michael Riordan
      Inspiring
      April 11, 2018

      Do you really need to convert it back to a non-text shape? If you use the direct select tool instead of the selection tool you can click on the path edge and edit the path, stroke and fill it, etc.

      But if you really want to, John's reply above hints at a workaround. Delete any text in the shape. Then select the path as I suggest with the direct select tool and give it a fill or stroke. Copy it and paste it into indesign. Select the InDesign shape and paste it back into Illustrator, select it again and go to Object>Clipping Mask>Release, Go to View>Outlines so you can see the rectangular mask , select that rectangle and delete, go back to View>Preview.

      Phew. Maybe someone has an easier way that lets you stay in Illustrator, but this works.

      John Mensinger
      Community Expert
      John MensingerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 11, 2018

      Are you sure this posted to the correct forum? Clicking a shape with Illustrator's Type tool doesn't convert it to a text frame, but this does happen in InDesign.

      In InDesign the fix would be Object > Content > Unassigned...

      And a preventive measure: Preferences > Type > (un-tick) Type Tool Converts Frames to Text Frames

      G
      GraphicabilityAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      April 11, 2018

      Clicking on a shape with the type tool in Illustrator does convert the shape to an area type frame.

      John Mensinger
      Community Expert
      John MensingerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 12, 2018

      Graphicability  wrote

      Clicking on a shape with the type tool in Illustrator does convert the shape to an area type frame.

      I see that now . . . so long as you click directly on the on the path. Apparently, it's never happened here, and with as common an occurrence as it can be in InDesign, I impulsively responded in that context. I apologize for the misdirection.

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