Tag Archives: Typography

Computer Graphic Design

Adobe Illustrator Typography – Spring 2026: Type Tools

Welcome to our Typography unit!

Starting today, we are going to explore Typography and the use of type in Illustrator. We will discuss what Typography is and why it is so important to graphic design. We will explore the different ways that type can be created and modified within Illustrator, and we will use our knowledge of color and shape to explore new ways to communicate with letters and words.

Objective:

Students will be able to identify, explain and create Point Type, Area Type and Type on a Path in Illustrator.

Student Friendly Objective:

I can use the text tools in Illustrator to create Point Type, Area Type and Type on a Path.

Video Links:

Creating Text: https://www.adobe.com/learn/illustrator/web/font-style-format-paragraphs

Creating Type on a Path: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/creating-type-path.html

Topics Discussed:

  • Type Tool
  • Point Type
  • Area Type
  • Overset Type
  • Type on a Path
  • Vertical Type
  • Vertical Area Type
  • Vertical Type on a Path

Instructions:

Create a new Illustrator Web document with four default-sized artboards. Save this document as “YOUR NAME – Type Week”. We will use this document throughout the week to practice with the Type tools in Illustrator.

Read the “Creating Text” tutorial video in the link provided above. Follow the tutorial to learn how to create point type and area type using the Type Tool.

  1. After you have watched the tutorial, go to the first (upper left) artboard in your new document.
  2. If you followed along with the tutorial, you should already have Point Type and Path Type created. If not, create an example of each now using the Type Tool.
  3. Read the “Creating Type on a Path” document at the link provided above. Follow the steps to learn how to create text that attaches to lines and shapes using the Type on a Path Tool.
  4. Hold the mouse button down on the Type Tool to reveal the other Type tools: the Area Type Tool, the Type on a Path Tool, the Vertical Type Tool, theVertical Area Type Tool and the Vertical Type on a Path Tool.
  5. Try each of these tools, and show an example of each on your artboard. Make sure all your examples fit on one artboard.
  6. Your artboard should include an example of each of the following:
    • Point Type
    • Area Type
    • Type on a Path
    • Area Type inside a Shape (use the Shape Tool to draw your shape, and click on the path with the regular Type Tool)
    • Overset Type (type that flows from one Type Area to another)
    • Vertical Point Type
    • Vertical Area Type
    • Vertical Type on a Path
  7. Save your document. We will continue to work with this document throughout the week.

Assigned: February 17th, 2026
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 18th, 2026

Computer Graphic Design

Intro to Typography: Making Your Own Typeface With Calligraphr

Objective:

I can use online tools and my understanding of typographic principles to produce my own typeface.

Web Links:
Calligraphr.com

Topics Discussed:

  • Typography
  • Font

Assignment:

Today we are going to wrap up our exploration of Typography through its ultimate expression: Making our own Typeface!

Type can be created through many methods, including carving individual letters out of steel blocks, printing letters on clear plastic strips to stick down on pages, or our preferred method: through digital design, using applications specifically built for this purpose. Today, we are going to explore one of those applications, one that is purpose-built to make creating typefaces easy enough that anyone can do it!

To begin, visit the Calligraphr.com website. You will need to create your own login to proceed – It is recommended that use your haydenmagnet.org email address.

  1. Create a template and print it out. (A pre-built template will be provided in class, but you are welcome to build your own custom templates!)
  2. Fill out the template. You can do this in many different ways:
    • You can simply write the appropriate letter in the box with your favorite pencil, pen or marker
    • You can draw the letters on a seperate piece of paper, then cut them out and paste them in the provided spaces.
    • You can cut out letters from other documents and paste them on the template in the provided spaces to create an eclectic “ransom note” style font!
  3. When you have all the spaces filled, use a scanner, digital camera or a smartphone to take a screen capture of your filled-out template.
  4. On the fonts page, choose the Upload Template option and upload your image file.
  5. Click on Build Font and watch the magic happen!
  6. You now have a custom font that you can install and use for any of your design projects!
  7. To complete this assignment, hand in the completed .TTF file to today’s assignment post in the Google Classroom!

Assigned: September 25th, 2025
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 25th, 2025