I have created text in Illustrator that I want to show in an arc'ed format. I selected the text and then chose Effect/warp then I chose the type of arc I wanted. So far so good. The text shows as arc'ed BUT it also shows in a straight line underneath the arc'ed text.
Can someone please tell me how to do this without ending up with two sets of the same text?
Simply disable Smart Guides (View > Smart Guides).
Smart Guides will show a highlight of the text when you hover over an envelope. Since the basis of the envelope is undistorted text, that's what you see. It's blue to indication is it merely an on screen highlight. The blue won't actually print or be present when saving/exporting.
Have you tried moving your cursor away and deselect the type? Please remember that Illustrator 'remembers' the original shape of the letters before the arc and will display that when you hover over the resulting shape or select it. Your text will export or print fine and only once.
If you Object > Expand the arc distortion, Illustrator will 'forget' the original shape, and the blue hover state will be the same shape. You might have to convert your type to outlines first for that to work, though.
During editing you have the choice of Edit Envelope or Edit Contents
When editing contents the blue "base" text shows.
When editing the envelope it does not.
View > Smart Guides) – Scott Jul 25 '14 at 7:57