Looking for how to create a square cut line around text to make a decal

[kaylyn_1234]

Hello, I am looking to see if anyone can guide me on how to create a basic square cut line around some text in illustrator to create a decal (like you would see on the side of a company vehicle). My text is 3 lines and I just want a rectangle box around it with curved corners that can be cut on my printer. Thank you in advance. 

[Jacob Bugge]

Kaylin,

You can:

1) Create the text and adjust alignment if desired in the Paragraph palette (maybe you have already);

2) In the Appearance palette Click the top right arrow and in the flyout Add New Fill, then Drag the new fill down below the text and make sure you have that Fill only selected;

3) Set the desired colour, and then in the Effect dropdown Click Convert to Shape and then Rounded Rectangle, then set the Extra Width/Height and Corner Radius as desired.

[kaylyn_1234]

hi Jacob, I have already created the text. I just need a cut line around my text in a simple rectangle. All videos that i found, showed contouring the letter out and i dont want this bubble decal. I just want a simple square cut out with my printing in the middle. 

[kaylyn_1234]

also, if you could assist me further with this, i would be happy to pay you. I am new to illustrator and i have also tried coreldraw with no luck getting my simple square cut out. 

[kaylyn_1234]

Hi Jacob, thank you for the reply. Are you able to further help me? I am
happy to pay you, i am just desperately looking to create this decal and i
have watched about 110 million youtube videos but i am getting no where.

[Jacob Bugge]

kaylyn,

Are you working with live Type (= editable so you can change the letters by writing and with a baseline), rather than outlined (= letters as vector paths)?

With live Type you ought to be able to select it with the (normal) Selection Tool and then procede with steps 2) and 3).

Actually, you can also do it with outlined letters, but there is no need to outline.

Can you show three screenshots with the text and the expanded Appearance palette, first as it is, then as it looks after step 2), and then as it looks after step 3)?

Please use the Insert Photos button at the top of the Reply box (looks like moon over mountains), the one just before the Insert Video (looks like a film strip).