Open the document that contains the text you want to convert.
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Create paths from text outlines
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use the Create Outlines command to transform text characters into compound paths for custom design effects in Adobe InDesign.
Convert text to outlines in InDesign to turn characters into editable shapes for logos, headlines, or custom designs. Use the Create Outlines command to keep the appearance while removing font dependency and enabling full shape editing. After conversion, you can’t edit the text or adjust typography settings, so save a copy first. Some external fonts may restrict outlining.
Select the text frame with the Selection tool, or select specific characters with the Type tool.
Press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while selecting Type > Create Outlines.
Use the Selection tool to drag the outlined copy away from the original text.
After conversion, you can edit and reuse letterforms:
- Use the Direct Selection tool to adjust individual anchor points.
- Paste images inside letters using Edit > Paste Into.
- Change stroke settings for each character independently.
- Turn outlines into text frames by pasting text into them.
- Combine letter shapes with other objects using the Pathfinder panel (Window > Object & Layout).
Note
When you convert type to outlines, it loses font hinting, data that helps text render clearly at small sizes or low resolutions. As a result, outlined text may appear less sharp when viewed small or printed on low-resolution devices.
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