Learning how to type on a path in Figma opens up new creative possibilities for your design projects.

This technique lets you align text along vector paths, perfect for unique typography in graphics, UI designs, and digital art.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to use tools like the pen and ellipse, adjust anchor points, and employ Bezier curves for refined text placement.

We’ll also explore practical uses for curved text in professional layouts, logos, and presentation slides. Expect detailed steps, tips for managing text alignment, and advanced techniques to optimize your workflow.

Get ready to enhance your design skills with Figma’s powerful text manipulation features.

How to Type on a Path in Figma: Quick Workflow

  1. Create Your Text:
    • Open your Figma project and select the Text Tool (shortcut: T). Click on the canvas and type the desired text. You can adjust the font and color using the right-hand panel.
  2. Draw a Path:
    • Activate the Pen Tool (shortcut: P) to draw your custom path. Click to create anchor points, and drag to form curves. Complete the path by double-clicking or pressing Enter.
  3. Select Both Objects:
    • Use the Move Tool (shortcut: V) to select both the text and the path. Click and drag over both elements to highlight them.
  4. Access the Plugin:
    • Open the Resources panel (shortcut: Shift + I), navigate to the Plugins tab, and search for the To Path plugin. Click on it to open.
  5. Run the Plugin:
    • In the plugin window, click Run to start linking your text to the path.
  6. Adjust Plugin Settings:
    • You’ll see options for adjusting horizontal and vertical alignment, offset, and rotation of the text along the path. Modify these settings as needed.
  7. Link Text to Path:
    • After adjusting settings, click the Link button. This will create a copy of your text that follows the path you drew.
  8. Make Path Invisible:
    • If you want only the text visible, select the path, go to the right-hand panel under Stroke options, and change its color to transparent.
  9. Final Adjustments:
    • You can now edit individual letters for font or color changes as needed without any distracting lines from the path being visible.

Techniques for Creating Text on a Path in Figma

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Using Plugins

Overview of popular plugins for curved text

For those of us diving deep into design, plugins are like secret weapons. In Figma, plugins like Arc and To Path are quite popular for adding curved text. They simplify the process and offer an intuitive interface for manipulating text along paths.

Steps to implement curved text with plugins

Implementing these plugins is straightforward:

  1. Install the plugin – A quick search in the Figma plugin directory and a click on “Install”.
  2. Select your text – Highlight the text you want curved.
  3. Define the path – Navigate to the plugin and choose the shape or curve. The text auto-aligns.

Limitations of plugin-based solutions

However, plugins aren’t perfect. There might be constraints in terms of customization. For example:

  • Text may not completely fit complex shapes.
  • Limited control over individual letter placement.
  • Occasional plugin bugs can interfere with workflow.

Manual Workarounds in Figma

Creating text manually along paths

Without relying on plugins, it’s possible to handle this manually. Draw your desired path, and follow it with text elements:

  1. Draw a vector path – Use the Pen tool to create your desired curve.
  2. Align text manually – Place individual text layers along the path and rotate them accordingly.

Maintaining design consistency

Manually placing text requires maintaining design consistency. Here’s how you can keep everything in check:

  • Uniform spacing – Keep the spacing between letters consistent using guidelines.
  • Angle adjustments – Use the rotation tool to match the orientation of the text to the path.

Challenges of manual adjustments

Manual methods, while flexible, introduce challenges:

  • Time-consuming adjustments.
  • Maintaining uniformity can be tedious.
  • Scaling or editing the path can disrupt the text placement.

Figma’s Vector Path Features

Converting Text to Vector Paths

Definition and use cases for vector paths

Vector paths are the spine of scalable graphics. Converting text to vector paths in Figma gives you finer control over each element, perfect for projects where precision is key. This conversion is crucial when working on logos, making text part of intricate illustrations, or ensuring typography retains its quality across all print and digital media.

Benefits of vector paths for text manipulation

  • Scalability: Enlarging text without loss of quality.
  • Customization: Alter individual letters for unique designs.
  • Integration: Blending text seamlessly with other vector elements.

Methods for Converting Text to Vector Paths

Flatten Text

Process for flattening text layers

Flattening text merges all selected layers into a single vector. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Select Text Layer: Click to highlight the text.
  2. Right-Click: Open the context menu.
  3. Flatten: Choose “Flatten Selection” to convert.

Shortcut keys for Mac and Windows

  • Mac: Command + E
  • Windows: Ctrl + E

Limitations and considerations

Flattening has some downsides:

  • Loss of editability: Converted text can’t be edited as text anymore.
  • Layer Management: It can mess with layer order.

Outline Stroke

Process for outlining strokes

Outlining strokes converts text to individual, editable glyphs. Steps to outline strokes:

  1. Select Text Layer: Highlight the desired text.
  2. Path Option: Go to “Object” in the menu.
  3. Outline Stroke: Click “Outline Stroke” to convert.

Individual glyph editing

Now, each character becomes a separate vector object. Adjust node points, reshape letters, and integrate text with other vector designs.

Shortcut keys for Mac and Windows

  • Mac: Shift + Command + O
  • Windows: Shift + Ctrl + O

Advanced Design Tips for Text Pathing

Fine-Tuning Text Along a Path

Adjusting spacing and alignment

Dialing in the perfect look requires tweaking the spacing and alignment. After creating your initial text on a path, you may notice some letters awkwardly spaced or not aligning perfectly:

  • Kerning: Adjust the space between individual letters manually.
  • Tracking: Opt for uniform spacing across the text for a cohesive look.
  • Alignment Options: Align text based on the path orientation—top, middle, or bottom.

Positioning and orientation techniques

Positioning is everything. Rotate and flip the text as necessary to ensure it hugs the path seamlessly:

  • Rotate Text: Click and drag to align text precisely.
  • Flip Text: If the text is upside down or backward, flip vertically or horizontally in the properties panel.

Combining Multiple Paths

Techniques for joining vector paths

Sometimes one path just isn’t enough. Combine multiple vector paths for more complex text layouts:

  • Join Paths: Select multiple paths and use the Join tool to create a unified path.
  • Overlap Text: Place text along overlapping paths for layered visual effects.

Creating cohesive text designs

Maintain a consistent design by ensuring paths flow naturally from one to another. A break in the line can break the audience’s focus:

  • Smooth Transitions: Make sure the joining points are smooth, using the Node Editor to adjust curves and bends.
  • Consistent Style: Keep the text style consistent—same font, size, and color.

Customization of Typography

Editing vector nodes for creative effects

Vector nodes are your creative arsenal. Editing them allows you to fine-tune each letter along the path:

  • Node Manipulation: Select individual nodes and drag to reshape letters.
  • Bezier Handles: Adjust Bezier curves for smoother text flow.

Merging text paths with graphic elements

Bring your typography to life by integrating it with other graphic elements:

  • Overlay Images: Overlay text on graphic shapes, ensuring paths complement the underlying image.
  • Combine Elements: Merge text paths with icons, shapes, or other design elements to create a unified look.

FAQ on How To Type On A Path In Figma

How do I curve text in Figma?

To curve text in Figma, use the ellipse or pen tool to create your desired path.

Then, type your text, convert it to a path using the “Vector” option, and adjust it along the curve using the “Text on Path” feature. This allows precise control over text placement.

Can I adjust text alignment on the path?

Yes, you can. After placing the text on the path, use the alignment tools in the top toolbar to center, left-align, or right-align your text.

This feature is crucial for maintaining a clean and professional layout in your design projects.

What tools in Figma help in placing text on a path?

Figma provides several tools like the pen tool for creating custom paths, the ellipse tool for circular paths, and the text tool for typing.

Once you’ve created your path, the “Text on Path” feature lets you attach and manipulate text along these paths seamlessly.

How can I modify the curve of the text?

You can modify the curve by adjusting anchor points and Bezier curves of the path. Select the path, use the direct selection tool to move anchor points, and redefine curves.

These adjustments affect the text positioning, enabling a perfect fit along the customized path.

Does Figma allow wrapping text around shapes?

Absolutely. Draw your shape first, then use the “Text on Path” tool to wrap text around it.

Figma’s flexibility in adapting text to any vector shape makes it an indispensable tool for creating professional and visually appealing graphic elements.

What are some creative uses for text on a path?

Creative uses include designing logos, circular text effects, emphasizing headings, crafting unique UI elements, and creating engaging presentation slides.

By mastering text manipulation, you can produce compelling, dynamic designs that capture attention and convey messages effectively.

How do I create a seamless circular text effect?

Create a circle using the ellipse tool, then type your text and convert it to a path. Apply the “Text on Path” feature, and adjust the text to follow the circle.

This method ensures smooth, professional-looking circular text effects suitable for logos and decorative elements.

Are there limitations to using text on a path in Figma?

While versatile, there are some limitations, such as more complex text formatting and intricate paths requiring extra tweaking.

However, the tools provided cover most needs, allowing for efficient text placement and adjustment along paths, enhancing overall design workflow.

Can I animate text on a path in Figma?

Currently, Figma focuses more on static design tools, but you can prototype animations by creating multiple frames with slightly adjusted text positions.

This method can simulate animation, helping to visualize how the text would move along a path in your final design.

Where do I find examples and templates for text on a path?

Explore Figma Community for templates and design examples. Many designers share their projects, providing valuable insights and ready-to-use templates.

It’s a great way to learn new techniques and get inspiration for incorporating text on paths into your own designs.

Conclusion

Mastering how to type on a path in Figma equips you with advanced vector graphics and typography tools. By following the steps outlined, you can place text along any custom path using the pen or ellipse tool.

Anchor points and Bezier curves let you fine-tune the text alignment and curvature. The alignment tools help maintain a clean, professional design. This technique is perfect for logos, UI elements, and dynamic text effects.

Take advantage of Figma Community resources for additional templates and examples. Implementing these methods will elevate your projects and set them apart. Now, you’re ready to integrate curved text seamlessly, making your designs more engaging and professional.

Author

Bogdan Sandu is the principal designer and editor of this website. He specializes in web and graphic design, focusing on creating user-friendly websites, innovative UI kits, and unique fonts.Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces. Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, and Speckyboy among others.