When it comes to designing engaging and interactive content, thinking outside the box (or in this case, putting text inside a shape) can make all the difference. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a marketer, or a hobbyist, learning how to put a text box in a shape can elevate your creative projects and capture your audience’s attention. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to achieve this design goal, covering various tools, techniques, and best practices.
Why Put a Text Box in a Shape?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s discuss the why. Putting a text box in a shape can serve several purposes:
- Visual appeal: Shaped text boxes add a touch of creativity and whimsy to your design, making it more engaging and memorable.
- Brand recognition: Custom shapes can be used to reflect your brand’s personality, tone, and style, helping to establish a strong visual identity.
- Storytelling: Shaped text boxes can be used to convey a message or tell a story in a more dynamic and interactive way.
- Attention-grabbing: Unconventional shapes can draw the reader’s attention to specific information, such as important calls-to-action or key takeaways.
Tools and Techniques for Putting a Text Box in a Shape
Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s explore the various tools and techniques for putting a text box in a shape.
Adobe Creative Cloud: The Gold Standard
Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, is the industry-standard for graphic design. With these powerful tools, you can create custom shapes and text boxes with ease.
- Photoshop: Use the Pen tool to create a custom shape, then add text using the Type tool. You can also use the Shape tools to create pre-made shapes, such as triangles, circles, and rectangles.
- Illustrator: Create a custom shape using the Pen tool or Shape tools, then add text using the Type tool. Illustrator also offers advanced features like object blending and warping.
Canva: A User-Friendly Alternative
Canva is a popular design platform that offers a more accessible and user-friendly experience, perfect for non-designers and beginners. With Canva, you can create custom shapes and text boxes using their drag-and-drop interface.
- Shape tools: Canva offers a range of pre-made shapes, including basic shapes, icons, and custom illustrations. Simply drag and drop the shape onto your design, then add text using the Text tool.
- Custom shapes: Use Canva’s advanced features, such as the Pen tool, to create custom shapes from scratch.
Microsoft Office: For the Everyday User
You don’t need to be a professional designer to put a text box in a shape. Microsoft Office, specifically Word and PowerPoint, offers basic shape tools that can help you achieve this design goal.
- Word: Use the Insert Shapes feature to add pre-made shapes to your document, then add text using the Text tool.
- PowerPoint: Use the Shapes tool to add pre-made shapes to your slide, then add text using the Text tool.
Best Practices for Putting a Text Box in a Shape
Now that we’ve covered the tools and techniques, let’s dive into some best practices to keep in mind when putting a text box in a shape.
Choose the Right Shape
The shape you choose should reflect the message, tone, and style of your content. For example:
- Rounded shapes: Use rounded shapes, like circles or ovals, to convey a sense of friendliness and approachability.
- Angular shapes: Use angular shapes, like triangles or hexagons, to convey a sense of modernity and sophistication.
Balance Text and Shape
The text and shape should be balanced and harmonious. Avoid overwhelming the shape with too much text or vice versa.
- Text size and color: Choose a text size and color that complements the shape and stands out from the background.
- Shape size and complexity: Choose a shape that is not too complex or overwhelming, and ensure it is large enough to accommodate the text.
Consider Legibility
Remember, the ultimate goal is to communicate your message effectively. Ensure the text is legible and easy to read.
- Font choice: Choose a font that is clear, concise, and easy to read, even at small sizes.
- Text alignment: Align the text to the shape, using features like vertical alignment or text wrapping, to create a visually appealing design.
| Tool | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Industry-standard graphic design tools, advanced features | High-end design capabilities, precise control | Steep learning curve, expensive subscription |
| Canva | User-friendly interface, drag-and-drop functionality, affordable pricing | Ease of use, accessibility, affordable pricing | Limited advanced features, limited customization options |
| Microsoft Office | Basic shape tools, familiar interface | Familiarity, ease of use, compatibility with Microsoft ecosystem | Limited design capabilities, not ideal for complex designs |
Conclusion
Putting a text box in a shape is a design technique that can elevate your creative projects and capture your audience’s attention. By choosing the right tool, technique, and best practices, you can create engaging and interactive content that communicates your message effectively. Whether you’re a professional designer or an everyday user, with practice and patience, you can master the art of putting a text box in a shape.
Remember, design is all about experimentation and creativity. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box (or shape!) and try new things. Happy designing!
What is the purpose of putting a text box in a shape?
The purpose of putting a text box in a shape is to add creativity and visual interest to your design. When you confine text to a traditional rectangular shape, it can become monotonous and unengaging. By placing text in a unique shape, you can draw the reader’s attention to specific information, create a focal point, or illustrate a concept more effectively.
For example, if you’re creating an infographic about the environment, you could place text inside a leaf or a globe shape to reinforce the theme. Similarly, if you’re designing a brochure for a travel company, you could use a map shape to highlight destinations or routes. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a more engaging and memorable design.
What types of shapes can I use for a text box?
The type of shape you can use for a text box depends on your design software and creativity. Some common shapes used for text boxes include geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and polygons, as well as more complex shapes like animals, icons, or abstract forms. You can also use custom shapes that you create yourself or find online.
When choosing a shape, consider the theme and tone of your design, as well as the message you want to convey. For example, a playful, whimsical design might call for a curly, irregular shape, while a corporate or professional design might require a more structured, geometric shape. Ultimately, the shape you choose should enhance the overall aesthetic and communication of your design.
What design software can I use to put a text box in a shape?
There are several design software options you can use to put a text box in a shape, depending on your level of expertise and the complexity of your design. For beginners, graphic design software like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Visme offer user-friendly interfaces and pre-made shapes. For more advanced designers, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop provide more sophisticated tools and features.
These software options offer various methods for creating shaped text boxes, such as using pre-made shapes, converting text into outlines, or using the pen tool to draw custom shapes. You can also use online tools or plugins that specialize in shaped text boxes, such as Shape Divider or SVGator.
How do I create a custom shape for a text box?
To create a custom shape for a text box, you can use the pen tool or vector editing tools in your design software. The pen tool allows you to draw a shape by creating anchor points and manipulating the curves and lines between them. You can also use pre-made shapes as a starting point and modify them to fit your needs.
Alternatively, you can create a custom shape using a vector graphics editor like Adobe Illustrator or a dedicated shape creation tool. Once you’ve created your shape, you can place your text inside it using the software’s text wrap or fill features. Be sure to experiment with different shapes and sizes to find the one that works best for your design.
Can I use a shaped text box in digital designs only, or can I use it in print as well?
You can use shaped text boxes in both digital and print designs. In digital designs, shaped text boxes can add interactivity and visual interest to your website, social media post, or email newsletter. In print designs, shaped text boxes can enhance the aesthetics of your brochure, poster, or business card.
When using shaped text boxes in print, be sure to consider the production process and file requirements. Make sure your design software can export the file in a format compatible with your printer’s requirements, and that the shape is not too complex or intricate to be accurately reproduced.
How do I ensure that my shaped text box is readable and accessible?
To ensure that your shaped text box is readable and accessible, follow these best practices: choose a font that is clear and legible, use a sufficient font size, and select a color that provides sufficient contrast with the background. Avoid using shapes that are too complex or intricate, as they can make the text difficult to read.
Additionally, consider the flow of your text and the overall layout of your design. Make sure the shaped text box is not overlapping or crowding other design elements, and that the text is not justified or aligned in a way that makes it hard to read. By prioritizing readability and accessibility, you can ensure that your shaped text box communicates your message effectively.
Can I animate or add special effects to a shaped text box?
Yes, you can animate or add special effects to a shaped text box, depending on your design software and the intended use of your design. In digital designs, you can use animation tools or CSS to create interactive effects, such as hover effects, transitions, or scrolling animations.
In print designs, you can use special finishes or effects, such as foil stamping, embossing, or spot varnishing, to add a tactile or visual element to your shaped text box. You can also experiment with different paper textures, ink colors, or printing techniques to create a unique and eye-catching effect. By adding animation or special effects, you can take your shaped text box to the next level and create a truly memorable design.