Placing text inside shapes

Question

This may be a silly question but...

Im pretty new to illustrator and I have the number 12 and i need to type text inside each number without it going outside the lines of the numbers. How do I do this? Thanks

Answer 1

If I understand your question correct, you want to write letters that are contained within a parent shape, such as a numerical character, the short answer is: use the Type Area Tool.

Here's how you do that:

1. Using the Type Tool, type your number character.

2. Choose Type > Create Outlines or press Shift-Command-0/Shift-Ctrl-0. (If you want your number shape to remain as a background object in the end, make a duplicate of it now since the shape will disappear in step 5.)

3. Choose Object > Compound Path > Release. (Note: Type Area Tool won't work on compound or masking paths.)

4. Choose the Type Area Tool in the Tools Palette.

5. Click on the number shape and start typing. (Note: if you get a message complaining about non-compound, non-masking paths, try clicking on one of the anchor points.)