Convert to Paths Text Effect
How to convert text to paths with Fireworks
In this tutorial you are going to learn how to convert text to path using Fireworks. Once you converted the text into path, which allows you to edit each text individually because they are now vector objects. While you design the logos, convert to paths is helpful. The image below shows how we have converted text to paths.
Prerequisite Knowledge
This tutorial teaches you how to convert text to paths using Fireworks and thus assumes you are familiar with some design software, even if you are new to Adobe Fireworks. However be assured that our detailed instructions can be followed by even a total novice.
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Color Palette - Convert to Paths Text Effect
Follow the steps given below that will show to convert text to a path:
- Step 1:
Type any text (as you like) using Text Tool
, then select the text go to Text >> Convert to Paths (Ctrl+shift+P). Now the text will be converted to path. Once you converted to path you can't change the Font, Font Size, Font Weight and the text will be grouped. - Step 2:
Then we are going to apply some gradient effect to the text. For these we need to select the text choose the following options:
a. Select the Fill Color go to Fill category >> select Gradient >> Choose Linear option
b. Now click the Fill color, and then click on the small color rectangle that is on the left side and set its color to #000000.
c. After that, click on the small color rectangle that is on the right side and set its color to #FF0000. See the illustration below that will describe how the linear effect will appear: - Step 3:
To edit each text select the Subselection Tool
and click the text. Then click the Pointer Tool 
and edit each text individually by adjusting the handles appears on or near the object. See the image below that will show how the text is edited using the handles: - Step 4: To apply shadow effect, click the text. Now on the right side of the properties window, you will find filters, click over the + symbol and choose Drop Shadow from Shadow and Glow. Click on the tiny blue circle with "i" next to the Drop Shadow filter (Edit and arrange live filters button) and set the following values for the filter: Opacity – 30%, Softness – 3, Angle – 315, Distance – 4, Color - #000000. The text will look as below:
Software Required
Adobe Fireworks (Macromedia Fireworks prior to version 8). Please check out the compatible versions listed in the box below. Since this tutorial covers an inbuilt core function of Fireworks to convert text to paths, using mostly any version of these software should be fine. If you are using the CS4 version of these software please read Convert to Paths Text Effect with Adobe Fireworks CS5.
Compatible Versions of Fireworks for this Tutorial
Fireworks 4-8 | Fireworks CS3Note: The instructions in this tutorial are same across all Fireworks versions listed above; Screenshot images (if any) may differ. Adobe Fireworks CS4/CS5 users: Read the CS4 & CS5 version of this free web design tutorial - Convert to Paths Text Effect with Adobe Fireworks CS5.
Recommended Version: Fireworks CS5.5