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J
JennLewis1223
Participating Frequently
September 15, 2021
Question

Individual letter selection

  • September 15, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 4064 views

I feel like there is a very simple solution to this that I just can't figure out.

I just reset my preferences in Ai 2021 to attempt to fix another issue I was having. And now, when I use text, I can't select individual letters in words. The words are not grouped, so I can't ungroup them. Yes, I've used the direct select tool. I can select individual letters if I outline the text, but I need it to not be outlined.

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

Anshul_Saini
Community Manager
Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
Community Manager
September 17, 2021

Hi there,

 

Thank you for reaching out. I agree with @Monika Gause. It can be done if you create a path using a pen tool or by converting your text to a path using the following steps:

  • Rasterize the text with transparent background
  • Image trace it and expand
  • Now the text will be converted to a path, and you should be able to use replace spine on single letters.
    I suggest you use thin fonts with some space in between; otherwise, it will become a compound path, and you won't be able to use replace the spine. If you even convert compound path to path, you may still not get the desired result.

I hope it helps.

 

Regards,

Anshul Saini

Anna Lander
Anna Lander
Inspiring
September 15, 2021

Does the Type tool work with individual characters?

J
JennLewis1223Author
Participating Frequently
September 15, 2021

The type tool will highlight individual letters, but I cannot then select another object along with that letter. I need to use the direct selection tool, which does not work.

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 15, 2021

You cannot use the text tool to select a letter?

Or maybe the Touch Type Text tool rather does what you want?

J
JennLewis1223Author
Participating Frequently
September 15, 2021

The type tool will select an individual letter, but I cannot then select another object together with that letter. I need to select it with the direct selection tool.

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 15, 2021

Well, that workflow won't work.

 

Please show a screenshot and tell us what it is that you want to do with those selected objects.

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