How to Easily Deform Text in Illustrator

Illustrator Text Effects

Transforming text into eye-catching designs in Illustrator is easier than you think and can be done in just a few simple steps. With Illustrator’s updates, creating text effects has become more accessible and faster than ever, offering plenty of built-in options. However, sometimes the old-school methods, like converting text into a brush and using the brush panel, can give you more precise control over your design. While techniques like Envelope Distort are useful, this brush-based method allows you to shape your text exactly as you envision it. It’s perfect for typographic posters, logos, and experimental designs, giving you endless creative possibilities.

Step 1

Open Illustrator and make a new file at any size you want. In this case I will make mine at 1800 x 1200 px.

Step 2

Select the Type Tool (T) and type your text using any font you want. In this case I will be using the "Union" font at 350 pt.

Step 3

With your text selected, go to Type > Create Outlines.

Step 4

Next, go to Window > Brushes.

Step 5

Click on the "New Brush" icon, then on the "New Brush" window select "Art Brush" and click OK.

Step 6

In the Art Brush Options window, apply the following settings and click OK. Your new brush should now show up in the Brushes Panel.

Step 7

Draw or place the graphic that you want to use as a base for your text. In this case, I will be using one of the Pennants included on the"Hand Drawn Flags and Pennants" set that you can find right here at Medialoot.

Step 8

With the Pen Tool (P) draw a path that follows your base shape in the middle of it as shown using any stroke color that you prefer for your text color, in this case I will set mine to White.

Step 9

With your path selected, click on the recently made brush in the Brushes Panel.

Step 10

Select the "Width Tool" (Shift+W) and then simply click and drag on any of the anchor points to match the text with your base shape as shown.

Step 11

Now simply repeat the last step for any of the remaining anchor points to make your text look exactly as you want.

Some Final Notes:

Now that you know how to easily deform text in Illustrator, you can change the text color from the Swatches Panel by adjusting the stroke color, and of course, modify the path as you normally would in Illustrator, even after the "text brush" has been applied.