How to Quickly Make a Dripping Text Effect in Illustrator

Illustrator Text Effects

Making a dripping text effect in Illustrator can be a bit frustrating if you don't how which tools to use. Even though this effect can be achieved using different methods (like adding anchor points to your text and then dragging them one by one or even drawing over your text with the pencil tool) there is a quicker way to make this effect using only the (not so often used) Warp Tool. So today, I will show you how easily you can make a dripping text effect in Illustrator in less than 2 minutes and give you a perfect base to add any kind of details that you want.

Step 1

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

Step 2

Select the Type Tool (T) and using any font you want, type your text. Here I will be using "VVDS SunshineBridge Script" at 550 pt.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Go to Window > Pathfinder and under Shape Modes click on the "Unite" icon.

Step 5

Next, go to Object > Compound Path > Make.

Step 6

Select the Warp Tool (Shift+R) in the toolbar.

Step 7

Double click on the Warp Tool icon to open the Warp Tool Options. Apply the following settings and click OK.
Note: Depending on your text dimensions, you may need to change these values a bit.

Step 8

Now simply click and drag over the bottom part of your text to start making the deformation as shown.

Step 9

When you are happy with your result, grab the Smooth Tool.

Step 10

Lastly, locate any sharp corners you may have on your text and then click and drag to smooth that section by using the Smooth Tool.

A Final Note:

Now that you've learned how to easily make a dripping text effect in Illustrator, you may add some nice finishing touches like shadows, reflections, or lights. You can also copy and paste the text in Photoshop as an Smart Object and the apply any kind of layer style that you want to make your text looks awesome. In this case, I am using a layer style included in the Photoshop Retro Layer Styles pack you can download right here at Medialoot.