Type on a path with distortion

[David]

anybody got a clue how to do this?

Inner portion near the center is pinched leaving the outer portion un-pinched.

TIA

[scottrsimons]

I remember having a special app that would do that for you back in the day, when I worked on a SE/30, I think it was called "Type Styler". But I'm sure it could be done in Illustrator now. But don't know how off-hand.

[Joe]

Still have the Type Styler box in the "really old software that we can't run anymore but we keep because we're afraid to throw anything away" closet. And yes it could do all kinds of neat type tricks.

[scottrsimons]

Joe, now the hoarder question, do you have a computer that will still run it? 

[Joe]

No. Hence the "really old software that we can't run anymore" part of the closet name.

[Joe]

That closet also still has the original box and CD for Suitcase for Mac OS8.

[Skryber]

anybody got a clue how to do this?

Inner portion near the center is pinched leaving the outer portion un-pinched.

TIA

I don't know if it's the best way but you can use the Arc effect at 100% instead of typing on a path. Then bring down your vertical distortion. And just do opposite for the bottom half.

[born2print]

I think Kai's Power Tools may have helped too, but Photoshop plug-in. That was fun software.... that we can't run anymore 

[Tracy]

Skyrber got skills!

I fumble around with type on a circle

[David]

I don't know if it's the best way but you can use the Arc effect at 100% instead of typing on a path. Then bring down your vertical distortion. And just do opposite for the bottom half.

You win the Golden Rocket Pony!!!

this works very well.
Thanks for your help!!

DRINKS ON ME!!!

[Skryber]

Thanks I need it after today. 

[DPSprint]

anybody got a clue how to do this?

Inner portion near the center is pinched leaving the outer portion un-pinched.

TIA

I don't know if it's the best way but you can use the Arc effect at 100% instead of typing on a path. Then bring down your vertical distortion. And just do opposite for the bottom half.

handy to know... will stick that somewhere in my brain for future reference!

[DigiCorn]

anybody got a clue how to do this?

Inner portion near the center is pinched leaving the outer portion un-pinched.

TIA

There used to be a plugin for Illustrator called, "Envelopes," but I think Adobe bought the company and incorporated the tools. What Skryber showed is just what Envelopes would do... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KPHYfDVq_0

[Skryber]

There's Envelope Distortion but I couldn't get it to work right. I don't know if that's the same as what you're talking about.

[DigiCorn]

It's pretty much a yes. Back in the day, it was an extension you could buy and add on to Illy. But at some point Adobe bought the company and incorporated most functions as standard. There used to be a functional demo on the Illy install CD.