How to Wrap Text in Illustrator (Around Objects and Shapes, 2026)

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To wrap text in Illustrator, place an object above area type, select the object and choose Object > Text Wrap > Make. The text flows around the object, with the offset you set. For curved text, use Type on a Path or Object > Envelope Distort. This guide uses Adobe Illustrator.

Quick Steps

1. Create area type by dragging a text box.
2. Place the object above the text.
3. Select the object and choose Object > Text Wrap > Make.
4. Set the offset in Text Wrap Options.

Wrapping Text in Illustrator: Step by Step

1. Create area type

Use the Type tool (T) and drag a box so the text sits inside a text area, then paste or type your text.

2. Place the object

Position the image or shape on top of the text. Text Wrap needs the object above the text in the layer order.

3. Make the wrap

Select the object and choose Object > Text Wrap > Make. Open Text Wrap Options to set the offset, the gap between text and object.

4. Release or change

Choose Object > Text Wrap > Release to remove it. Move the object to see the text reflow.

5. Wrap text into a shape

For text shaped like an object, use Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp (or Make with Top Object), or use the Type on a Path tool to put text along a curve.

Tips for Better Results

• Text Wrap does not work on point type, so use a text box (area type).
• Use a larger offset to keep text off the edge of images.
• Put text and artwork on separate layers to keep the order clear.
• Use Create Outlines at the end if the file leaves your computer.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Text does not wrap: the object must be above the text and the type must be area type.
• Text wraps around the wrong shape: select only the object you want in the wrap.
• Text overflows: enlarge the text area or reduce the font size.

Why This Skill Matters for Design Jobs

Illustrator is named in 44% of the 412 graphic, brand, visual and UI design job posts ArtBlast tracked from March to August 2026 (181 posts), so everyday skills like this one are what employers expect. Browse illustrator jobs, graphic designer jobs and freelance illustrator jobs, and see what the work pays in the illustrator salary guide. Not sure which Adobe app to learn? Read Photoshop vs Illustrator.

Need the software? Try Illustrator on Adobe (free trial available). The single app costs $22.99 a month in the United States on an annual plan billed monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I wrap text around an image in Illustrator?

Place the image above area type, select it and choose Object > Text Wrap > Make.

Why is Text Wrap not working?

The type must be area type and the object must be above it.

How do I bend text in Illustrator?

Use Type on a Path or Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp.

How do I remove text wrap?

Choose Object > Text Wrap > Release.

Sources

Steps were checked against the official guides in November 2026. Menu names can change slightly between versions.

• Adobe Illustrator User Guide
• Adobe plans page, US prices (single app $22.99 a month, annual commitment billed monthly). Adobe shows local prices by country.

Job data: ArtBlast job tracking, March 13 to August 12 2026, distinct posts (one per employer and title) with a full description. Graphic, brand, visual and UI cohort: 412 distinct posts and 364 employers.