How to Convert Text to Outlines in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

By:

Madhav Bhandari

Use this interactive demo to learn how to convert text to outlines in Adobe InDesign.

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Here’s a simple and quick guide on how to convert text to outlines in Adobe InDesign:

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Select or highlight the text you want to convert to outlines, then choose 'Type' from the top menu in Adobe InDesign.
Select 'Create Outlines' to convert each letter into vector points.
The text has now been converted into outlines.

📌 Why this matters

Converting text to outlines turns your typography into vector shapes, ensuring your fonts display exactly as intended when sharing files with others who may not have the same typefaces installed. This prevents the dreaded font substitution that can completely alter your design's appearance.

Beyond compatibility, outlined text becomes fully editable artwork - you can modify individual letter shapes, apply complex effects, or even break apart characters for creative manipulation. It also creates print-ready files that eliminate any font licensing concerns when sending projects to commercial printers or collaborators.

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