Illustrator: Text within Text

[davisjw]

I'm working on a project where I want to write out a word, say "Hello." Then I want to write within "Hello" maybe a bunch of names (just an example). I thought by turning "Hello" into an outline, I'd be able to just use the area text tool but that's not working.

Any ideas beyond using the pen tool to outline the word Hello?

 

[imthekuni]

why not create a mask?

 

[davisjw]

why not create a mask?

Please explain because I have tried and I can't get it to work nor can I find an article that doesn't ask me to use the pen tool to make a shape...

 

[UTclassof89]

If you don't mind some of the masked (small) words being clipped, type a big word (your mask) on top of the small words, select all objects, and press COMMAND-7

 

[davisjw]

If you don't mind some of the masked (small) words being clipped, type a big word (your mask) on top of the small words, select all objects, and press COMMAND-7

Good suggestion but because I'm trying to make a word out of words, there's too much cutting off for the names to be eligible and still look like a word....

 

[Kwill]

Hello, hello

You could use the Type Area Tool with justified small text or place one word over another in search for interesting negative space. I guess it depends on how large the word(s) within the word will be...

 

[imthekuni]

if you use the type tool to make text you can select the text and hit shift+cmd+O and convert it to an outline instead of tracing with the pen tool

 

[davisjw]

You could use the Type Area Tool with justified small text or place one word over another in search for interesting negative space. I guess it depends on how large the word(s) within the word will be...

That's exactly how I want it to look. However - How did you manage to type it into Hello? The word I am using is Anniversary. I tried using the area type tool but it says it can't. So then I tried turning it into an outline, figuring it will recognize it as a shape but still it won't let me. The only way I have been able to get it to work is by using the pen tool. However, sadly, I am not very good with it and tracing the word Anniversary isn't working out.

Sorry for being difficult but thanks for everyone's help!!!

 

[red blob]

mask the text

Create a big text box full of your little word repeating and repeating.

Now, separately, create your one big word.

Place the big word on top of the first text box, select both objects and then up in the menu bar - OBJECT - CLIPPING MASK - MAKE

 

[davisjw]

Create a big text box full of your little word repeating and repeating.

Now, separately, create your one big word.

Place the big word on top of the first text box, select both objects and then up in the menu bar - OBJECT - CLIPPING MASK - MAKE

I did that but it cut off some of the text. The problem is, this is for a newsletter. We celebrate folks who have been with the company for 5 years, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. They want to create the word Anniversary out of the names of those individuals. Cutting off people's names won't go down well..

Any other thoughts?

 

[arkitect]

I did that but it cut off some of the text. The problem is, this is for a newsletter. We celebrate folks who have been with the company for 5 years, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. They want to create the word Anniversary out of the names of those individuals. Cutting off people's names won't go down well..

Any other thoughts?

Your best bet would be to try InDesign…
Create the word, convert to Outlines… Then under the Object menu, select Content and choose Text.

Copy the text you want and Paste inside the letters… (Below I just used Lorem Ipsum etc).
That way none of your words (names) will be cut off or truncated.
Play about with the settings to get it nice and smooth.

Like this…

 

[Kwill]

That's exactly how I want it to look. However - How did you manage to type it into Hello? The word I am using is Anniversary....

Illustrator: Text was converted to outlines, then ungrouped and compound paths released. The Area Type Tool was used to click on the first letter. Type or paste text. With the text tool, click the overflow square and select the next letter, more text, and so on.

The "o" was a bit tricky. It had to be converted to one object so upon close examination you will notice a thin vertical space is apparent that connects the center to the bottom edge. You'd have to do something similar with your a's in "Anniversary."

 

[davisjw]

Thank you a bunch! The InDesign idea proved the best solution. However, I am having a difficult time importing a shape from Illustrator into InDesign and trying to content solution but within my shape from Illustrator - any thoughts?

 

[citizenzen]

I know you don't want to hear this, but I often see examples such as yours where people go waaay over the top trying to "design" something when they would be better off doing something clean and simple.

Just typeset the names. All this work to enclose them in another word is taking way too much time, it will look hokey, and it will be very difficult to read.

Good typesetting stands on its own. Please, for the love of all that is holy, drop this idea.

 

[davisjw]

I know you don't want to hear this, but I often see examples such as yours where people go waaay over the top trying to "design" something when they would be better off doing something clean and simple.

Just typeset the names. All this work to enclose them in another word is taking way too much time, it will look hokey, and it will be very difficult to read.

Good typesetting stands on its own. Please, for the love of all that is holy, drop this idea.

I'm creating various examples for this - this happens to be one. I know it may look "hokey" but as well as pleasing my own eye for design that works, I'm looking to please the people with money so I give multiple version and work from there