How to Create Circular Text in Photoshop: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to Create Circular Text in Photoshop. This beginner-friendly tutorial covers path tools, text alignment, and professional techniques for logos, badges, and graphic design.

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How to Create Circular Text in Photoshop

Want to design logos, badges, or graphics with perfectly curved text? This Photoshop tutorial shows you how to create circular text quickly and professionally. You’ll learn to use paths, align text inside and outside a circle, and customize your typography for striking designs.

Ideal For: Graphic designers, logo creators, social media content makers, and Photoshop beginners looking to expand their typography skills.

You’ll Learn:

• How to draw a perfect circle path for text alignment.
• Techniques to add, edit, and style text on a circular path.
• How to duplicate and reposition text inside or outside the circle.
• Pro tips for flipping text and adjusting baseline shift.

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Step-by-Step: Create Circular Text in Photoshop

Step 1: Draw a Perfect Circle Path (00:00 – 00:39)

Start by selecting the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar. Hold Shift while dragging to draw a perfect circle. Align the circle to the center of your canvas using the Align Tools (View > Snap). This circle will act as your text path.

Step 2: Add Text to the Circle (00:39 – 01:23)

Select the Type Tool (T) and hover over the circle’s edge until the cursor changes to the text-on-a-path icon. Click and start typing—your text will wrap around the circle. Use Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all text, then adjust the font size (e.g., 24pt) and set alignment to Center in the Character panel.

Step 3: Duplicate & Reposition Text (01:23 – 01:58)

To add text on the inside or outside of the circle:

1. Duplicate your text layer (Ctrl+J / Cmd+J).
2. Select the Path Selection Tool (A).
3. Hover over the text until the cursor changes, then drag the text inside or outside the circle path. Adjust alignment using the Character panel for a balanced look.

Step 4: Flip Text & Final Adjustments (01:58 – 02:40)

To create upside-down text on the lower half of the circle:

• Open the Character panel (Window > Character).
• Adjust the Baseline Shift to a negative value (e.g., -10 to -20 pt).
• Use the Path Selection Tool to fine-tune text positioning for perfect symmetry.

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5 Key Techniques for Perfect Circular Text

• Create a Guide Circle: Use the Ellipse Tool + Shift for a perfect circular path.
• Type on a Path: Click the circle edge with the Type Tool to wrap text around it.
• Duplicate & Reposition: Copy text layers to place text inside and outside the circle.
• Use Baseline Shift: Adjust Baseline Shift in the Character panel to flip text orientation.
• Customize Fully: Change font, size, color, and spacing for professional results.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you curve text around a circle in Photoshop?

1. Draw a circle with the Ellipse Tool in “Path” mode.
2. Select the Type Tool and click on the circle’s edge.
3. Type your text—it will automatically wrap around the circle’s shape.

Can I put text inside and outside the same circle?

Yes. Create your first text layer on the circle, then duplicate the layer. Use the Path Selection Tool to drag one text layer inside and the other outside the circle path.

How do I flip text upside down on a circle?

Use Baseline Shift in the Character panel:

• Select your text layer.
• In the Character panel, set Baseline Shift to a negative value (e.g., -15pt).
• Adjust until the text appears flipped along the lower curve.

Why is my text not aligning properly on the circle?

If text alignment looks off:

• Use the Path Selection Tool to click and drag the text’s starting point.
• Check the alignment setting in the Character panel (Left, Center, Right).
• Ensure your circle path is perfectly round (draw with Shift held down).

Can I edit the text after it’s on the circle?

Absolutely. Select the Type Tool, click on the text, and edit as normal. You can change words, font, size, color, or spacing at any time.

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Final Tips for Professional Circular Text

Mastering circular text in Photoshop opens doors to logo design, badge creation, and custom typography layouts. The key is using paths as guides and leveraging Photoshop’s text customization tools.

Try This Now:

1. Create a new Photoshop document.
2. Draw a circle and add your brand name around it.
3. Duplicate the text to add a tagline inside the circle.
4. Experiment with Baseline Shift to style the bottom arc text.

Pro Tip: For logos, try using two different font styles for the top and bottom text arcs to create visual hierarchy and interest.

Ready for more? Practice by creating circular badges, seals, or stylized quotes—each project will strengthen your text-on-a-path skills.

by Graphician Art

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