Text field manipulation

[m0isturizer]

Hello!

I've been trying to figure out how to scale the width and height of a text field without scaling the text within the field. I was able to do it by accident and haven't been able to do it since.

My apologies if this has been posted before. I did a search and didn't see it posted.

Thanks!

[TORCH511]

2 options:

You can drag the sides of the text area using either the Selection or the Direct Selection tools.

Or if you want a little more precision (as well as other options) select TYPE>AREA TYPE OPTIONS from the menu bar.


Resizing using the transform pallett will alter the size of the text whereas the above 2 options will only affect the text area.

[m0isturizer]

Resizing the text field using the selection and direct selection tools isn't working for me. When I rollover the edges of my text field, and click and drag, I drag the whole text field. Is there a setting that I'm not aware of?

[TORCH511]

If you are using the Selection tool (The black pointer) then you need to grap the transform boxes in the center and corners of the area, otherwise you will drag the whole area.

If using the Direct Selection tool (the white pointer) then, as long as the entire area is not selected, select an edge (path) or an anchor and resize. Again, if you have selected the entire area (like by clicking it with the selection tool) then if you attempt to resize, you will merely drag the entire area.

[m0isturizer]

The Direct Selection tool is working but the Selection tool still just drags the whole text box when I try draging the transform boxes.

I'm not sure if this is any indication of what's going on but when using the selection tool, when I rollover the transform boxes (which are filled in) I get a little box (not filled in) to the bottom right of my mouse arrow.

I'm able to accomplish what I want with the Direct Selection tool and the "TYPE>AREA TYPE OPTIONS" option but I am still curious why I am not able to do it with the Selection tool.

Anyway, I really really appreciate your help, Torch511. Thanks!

[Scott Weichert]

The Selection Tool is simply not designed to resize text areas. It's designed to scale everything with it's bounding handles.

[TORCH511]

PC version, CS - CS3 at least, I am able to resize text area with the Selection Tool. Cursor changes to double arrows in the appropriate direction.

May not apply to MAC version. Sorry if this caused some mental fustration.

[Scott Weichert]

Sorry, I should have been clearer as well.

You MUST have the Bounding Box visible (View > Show Bounding Box) in order to use the Selection tool. I simply hate the bounding box with a passion and it's always the first thing I turn off in AI.

[m0isturizer]

...You MUST have the Bounding Box visible (View > Show Bounding Box) in order to use the Selection tool...

aha!

That did it. Mystery solved. I agree that it's too wonky but now I know. Thanks dudes!