Adding simple text to a shape

[sdm9t]

I'm new to Illustrator and I would like to think that I am a reasonably smart person, but I cannot figure out how to add text (just single word labels) inside simple shapes (similar to what one can do in PowerPoint) other than just overlaying them and hoping that everything lines up and is centered.  I watched the Adobe tutorials and read discussions on this forum and I still can't get it to work.  I tried selecting the area type tool and then clicking on the shape that I wanted to add the test to and got the following message: "You must click on a non-compound, non-masking path to create text inside a path."

I must be doing something wrong.  Can anyone tell me what I should be doing instead?

Thanks!

[macpawel]

You can do this two ways;

1 Start to draw a destination Shape and deselct it. Choose Type Tool (T) and click anywhere on your page. Enter text you need and then use Selection Tool (ESC key) to move your text onto shape. This way text and shape stay independent - it's smart and easy to adjust position and text options

2 Draw your Shape and use Area Type Tool to add your text. This way your shape lost apperaance - and text exist inside Shape. This is one object - text object. You can use Direct Selection Tool (A) to change color of your shape

[cinziamarotta]

Hi,

you can use just a simple shape to put a text into it. The message: "You must click on a non-compound, non-masking path to create text inside a path." means that you can't convert a compound path or a clipping mask into an area containing a text.

[Muqqarib Hassan]

Hi, Here are the Steps.

1: Create your simple shape E.g Make Rectangle shape by using a Rectangular shape tool (M)

2:- Select the Text Tool " Type Tool " Not Area Type Tool and Click in the center of the Shape and start writing your text.

PS. Area Type Tool Only Works when you Click on the line/path of the Shape then it will allow you to write your text.

Thanks.