Illustrator Area Type text and the Transform panel

[Mike Witherell]

Hello all,

I drew an area-type-text-box to a specific size of height and width. I put text in it that is controlled by a paragraph style.

Later, I was trying to use the Transform panel to resize the text box, and it did so, but ...

it distorts the text!

I am used to the behavior of  InDesign allowing me to adjust the textframe and the text within it always reflows, but doesn't distort.

What is the trick to resizing the text box to a specific dimensions in the Transform panel, yet leaving the text under the control of the paragraph style?

Mike in Maryland

[Mohammad.Harb]

from the type menu -> Area type options

[Mike Witherell]

Right, but what about the Transform panel? Why does it distort the text?

[Mohammad.Harb]

Illustrator is an object-based app and indesign is a frame-based app where you can transform The Frame and the content independently.

[lambiloon]

yes you can do point text easily here in illustrator when you do area text it changes with box change...thanks

[barbara_a · Accepted solution]

You can transform the box without transforming the size of the type if you select only the box with the Direct Selection tool. Corner handles should be selected, but there shouldn't be any underlines on the text, like this:

[Mike Witherell]

Ah, that is so NOT obvious! Thanks Barbara. I couldn't see a way around it. It turns out you have to carefully select only the path edge with the Direct Selection tool and make sure the text does not have baselines under it. Thanks for the insight!

[barbara_a]

You're right. It is absolutely not obvious. Glad this helped!