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Apply Path to Text

Quick Reference: Apply Path to Text

  • Location

    Tools → Apply Path to Text

    Right-click → Apply Path to Text

Apply Path to Text attaches text to a vector object, reshaping it to follow the contour of the chosen path. This tool makes it possible to use existing or custom-created paths to apply more complex curves to text than can be achieved using the text Bend tool.

Using Apply Path to Text

Select a single block of text and single shape at the same time, then go to Tools → Apply Path to Text, or right-click and select Apply Path to Text from the context menu.

The text is automatically moved to the location of the shape, and adjusted to follow its contour.

The text can no longer be independently moved after it is attached to the path, but all text attributes in the Text Options Toolbar can still be modified.

Apply Path to Text

Making Adjustments in the Text Options Toolbar

Text Options Toolbar

Note

In the case of text, horizontal always refers to the direction of the text as it is read, regardless of whether the Text Object is rotated. Vertical refers to the opposite direction, regardless of rotation.

The horizontal position of the text is oriented relative to the start and end points of the path using the Align X options. Middle aligns the text between the start and end points, Left aligns it so that the start of the text is next to the start point of the path, and Right aligns it so that the end of the text is next to the end of the path.

The vertical position of the text is positioned using the Align Y options. Middle places the text's vertical center on the path, Bottom places the bottom of the text directly on top of the path, and Top places the top of the text directly under the path.

Edit Text on Path

Manipulating and Deleting Paths

The position and shape of the path remain manipulable, and the text will automatically adjust to follow any changes made to the contour of the path.

Using Edit Nodes to manipulate paths

Use the Edit Nodes tool to manipulate nodes on a path that has already been applied to text, and adjust its appearance according to your visual preference.

Adjust Path

To remove the text from the path, the path must be deleted. Deleting the path returns the text to its original orientation, but does not affect any settings in the Text Edit toolbar.

Tip

If you have applied text to a path that you do not want cut or engraved by your laser, but do not wish to delete either, assign the path to a Tool layer, as shown in the demonstrations above. Tool layers are special layers that are never sent to your laser.

Troubleshooting

  • If text applied to a path is upside down or mirrored, you may need to Flip the text before applying the path to it, or Rotate or re-construct the path to correct the orientation.

    When manually creating a path with the Draw Lines tool, the first point you click is always the start point, and the last is always the end point.

  • To use Apply Path to Text, you must have exactly one Text Object and one vector object selected. If the option is grayed out and unavailable, make sure the vector object you have selected is a single, connected path, and not multiple adjacent but disconnected paths. Use Edit Nodes or Auto-Join Selected Shapes to join disconnected paths.

  • Grouped objects do not work with Apply Path to Text. Ungroup all text or vector objects you wish to use with this tool.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.