Another newbie question about type on a path

[SuzAdobe1]

Hi there--

I'm completely new to Illustrator and still learning my way around. I'm playing with the Type on a Path tool and have mostly figured it out, but I have some sharp corners on my path where the text is overlapping itself and I don't know how to move the text anchor points or whatever I need to do to fix it. If anyone has the time to advise me I would be grateful. Thank you in advance!

Suzanne

Here's a picture of the issue:

[melissapiccone]

I'm not sure there is an easy way to solve this. I always use type on a path on curves, never corners. You could add spaces manually or you can round the corners. Convert the corners with convert button in your control panel using your direct selection tool (the white arrow).

[SuzAdobe1]

Thanks, I'll try that.

[Jacob Bugge]

Suz,

You may be able to get there with one string of live Type by adjusting where you start and inserting spaces.

Or you may split it, using duplicate paths.

[SuzAdobe1]

I'm not sure I know how to split it with duplicate paths, but I'll give it a shot. Thank you!

[jdanek]

Try increasing the kerning ( space between letters ).  Also, try reducing or increasing the size of the text.  Customize the behavior of the layout.

[SuzAdobe1]

I'll try that. Thank you!

[Jacob Bugge]

Suz,

You can duplicate the path that you apply the Type on a Path to (maybe a few times), then apply some of the text to the original path and lock it, then continue on the duplicate(s).

And you may use different means to adjust the live Type (with the Type Tool and inserting or selectingthe relevant parts), including:

1) Inserting extra spaces at the corners to directly separate/avoid overlaps, as mentioned above,

2) Selecting the different parts of the Type (between corners) to be treated together and then adjusting the Tracking to stretch or contract each part for best fit,

3) With the same selection(s) as in 2), you may switch between Auto and Optical kerning to optimize how it looks.

[SuzAdobe1]

Many thanks for taking the time to explain it to me!

[Jacob Bugge]

For my part you are welcome, Suz.

I believe we all hope that you will report your findings.

[SuzAdobe1]

Well, I had a specific font that I wanted to use so I couldn't change that, but by manually adding spaces and playing with the tracking I was able to come up with something I like. I had assumed that Illustrator would have a "magic button" that could do what I needed, but I guess sometimes good old brute force is called for. 😉

Thanks to everyone for the helpful feedback!

[samikshakhichi96]

Changing the font size or font type may also help you.

[SuzAdobe1]

Thank you!

[Jacob Bugge]

Suz,

Thank you for sharing.

"I had assumed that Illustrator would have a "magic button" that could do what I needed, but I guess sometimes good old brute force is called for"

Over the years quite a few magic buttons have been added, but it is impossible to (foresee and) enable (the fulfillment of) all possible wishes.

And, even if there are seemingly comparable new and easy ways, some things can still only/best be done by what I prefer to call good old (fashioned) design skill/work.