Section 4 · Vector Construction

Outlining Text

Definition

Converting live, editable type into vector paths, so the letterforms become shapes rather than text requiring a font.

Why it matters

A file that references a font will break — or silently substitute a different face — on any machine without it installed. Outlining guarantees the letterforms travel with the file. The trade-off is permanence: outlined text can no longer be edited or re-typed.

Example

Applying Create Outlines immediately before final export, on a copy of the working file.

Teaching note

Always instruct students to outline a duplicate. Someone outlines their only copy, then needs a typographic revision, every single term.