"You must click on a non-compound, non masking path to create text along a path" while using Type

[Jordan Chap]

Hey. I've already created a shape in illustrator, then I went to select the type along a path tool and the message "You must click on a non-compound, non masking path to create text along a path" I'm not sure what else I should be clicking on so that I can use the tool. 

[Jordan Chap]

I did that. I'm still receiving the same error message. What step am I missing in this equation? 

[aaprtclr · Accepted solution]

I found this thread while experiencing this issue. Discovered solution and hope this helps:

It is counterintuitive to me when you are trying to fill a shape with text but ...

rather than in the shape area, click on the path itself 

and you will get what you want – placeholder text inside your shape/path

[AvaDeer]

Thank you! I was having the same issue with a non-compounded, non-masked path. I clicked on the line around the circle and was able to finally use the Type on a Path tool.

[curry5C68]

omg thank you!

[Zaki Shahin]

thanks a lot

that work with me & i solve the problem

i hope the adobe developer wake up little bet  this issue is not logical

[Renee5FC2]

OMG! That was the answer! 

[aaronadoty01]

Thank you! This was driving me crazy.

[Brittany@EnergyCentz.org]

Thanks 🙂

[Ejaz367240802acn]

Thank you  so much it really helped

[Ashutosh_Mishra]

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for reaching out. In addition to the suggestions given above by Ton & Peter, I'd request checking out this help article to know more about compound path. Hope it helps.

Regards,

Ashutosh

[GraceBedford]

I found I was clicking the shape with the type area tool, however after trying these suggestions nothing worked even for a simple circle. It was just a case of clicking on the path not overall shape. 

[esthedik]

If anyone is still having issues, I just figured out why it wasn't working for me. I used the "line" tool rather than the "pen" tool and illustrator will make "lines" or "paths" depending on the respective tool used. This will affect the ability of the "type on path" tool.

I had to select the "pen" tool and click an anchor point on the "line" then make another anchor point somewhere else. I then deleted the new anchor point I just made to revert back to my original design. This will convert your "lines" to "paths".

I'm sure there is a better way to do this but this was a quick fix and it worked for me so hopefully it will help.

Good luck!

[Monika Gause]

If anyone is still having issues, I just figured out why it wasn't working for me. I used the "line" tool rather than the "pen" tool

I had to select the "pen" tool and click an anchor point on the "line" then make another anchor point somewhere else. I then deleted the new anchor point I just made to revert back to my original design. This will convert your "lines" to "paths".

By @esthedik

The text on a path tool as well as the text tool does not care whether the line is a live shape or a path.

Converting them works with Object > Shape > Convert to path

[drotar]

Simple fix. When you add the Area Type Tool to the shape you created simply TOUCH the anchor point of the shape and the text will automatically fill in. I promise!

[Monika Gause]

Simple fix. When you add the Area Type Tool to the shape you created simply TOUCH the anchor point of the shape and the text will automatically fill in. I promise!

By @drotar

This thread is about compound paths. And no, they won't magically fill when touched with the area text tool.

[Julie McLeod]

Well, you helped me because I was getting that error message even when I wasn't on a compound or masked path.

[Girish36650059hkok]

you can check this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbtZ9yCD-cg&ab_channel=MikePickettDesignCo.

[Monika Gause]

The video does not really answer the question (which has been answered 4 years ago anyway)