How To Curve Text In Procreate

To curve text in Procreate, you need to use a workaround because the Procreate digital art app does not include a native one-click "curve text" feature.

Does Procreate have a curve text tool?

No, Procreate does not have a built-in "curve text" button. When you select the Text tool in Procreate, you'll notice a curved arrow icon, indicating the curving text option. This means you will need to use one of the workaround methods below to achieve curved text. Each method works on a standard iPad with Procreate, and no version-specific details are documented in the official sources.

How to curve text in Procreate using the Warp tool

This method gives you precise control over the curve shape by manipulating a mesh grid.

1. Add your text using the Text tool and position it on the canvas.
2. This converts the text from an editable text layer into pixels.
3. Select the Warp tool from the Transform menu (tap the arrow icon in the top toolbar, then choose "Warp").
4. Switch to the Advanced Mesh option within the Warp tool to see a grid of points over your text.
5. To bend the text, tap and hold on any of the four corners of the text box. Now, swipe your finger left or right to bend the text along the desired curve.
6. You can further refine the curve by using the Edit Shape option. Tap on the blue dot located at the center of the text box and drag it up or down to adjust the curve's arc.
7. Drag the mesh points to pull the text into a curve. Pull the top or bottom row of points to create an arc, or adjust individual points for a custom bend.
8. Procreate offers different options to control how the text curves. You can choose between a Bezier curve, which allows for more precise adjustments, or a simple curve, which offers a more fluid and organic look.
9. To curve text, pinch the text by placing two fingers on the screen and moving them closer or farther apart to adjust the curve.
10. The curving text feature is not limited to just one path. With Procreate, you can create multiple curves and shapes at once, allowing for intricate and complex designs.
11. To create text ribbons, start by curving your text and duplicating it. Then, use the Warp tool to distort the duplicate text in a way that mimics the shape of the object.
12. Tap "Done" to apply the warp.

How to curve text in Procreate using the Liquify tool

This method is best for organic, flowing curves and works like pushing paint around.

1. Add and rasterize your text layer as described above.
2. Choose the Push tool (looks like a hand) or the Twirl tool from the Liquify options.
3. Gently push or twirl the text into a curved shape. Use a larger brush size for broad curves and a smaller brush for fine adjustments.
4. Use a stylus for better pressure control, as lighter pressure creates more subtle bends.
5. Tap "Done" when you are satisfied.

How to curve text in Procreate with manual placement

This method offers the most precision and is ideal for custom, hand-crafted typography.

1. Create a new layer and draw a curved guide line using the Brush tool. This line will be the path your text follows.
2. Add your text as individual letters. Type your word, then duplicate the layer and edit each duplicate to contain a single letter. Alternatively, type each letter on its own layer.
3. Select a letter layer and use the Transform tool to move it so its base sits on the guide line.
4. Rotate the letter using the Transform tool so its angle matches the curve of the guide line at that point.
5. Repeat for each letter, placing and rotating them one by one along the guide line.
6. Adjust spacing between letters by moving them closer or farther apart.
7. Delete the guide line layer when finished.

Tips for better curved text in Procreate

Choose a bold, simple font for easier curving, as thin or ornate fonts can become distorted. Work on a larger canvas (e.g., 3000x3000 pixels) to give yourself more room to manipulate the text. Always duplicate your text layer before rasterizing or applying Warp or Liquify, this keeps an editable backup. Use a stylus for pressure control when using Liquify, as it allows for more natural, subtle curves. You can modify the text's spacing, alignment, and size to ensure it fits perfectly along the curve. By adding a layer mask to your curved text layer, you can selectively reveal or hide parts of the text. If you need to adjust the font, color, or size after curving, you must start over from the original text layer, since rasterized text cannot be edited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the font or color of curved text after curving it?

No, once you rasterize text to use Warp or Liquify, it becomes a pixel layer and can no longer be edited as text. You must make all font, size, and color changes before rasterizing. If you need to change these later, duplicate the original text layer first so you can start over. You can edit and modify the text even after it has been curved. This means you can easily make changes to the content, font, or style without affecting the curve itself.

Can I adjust the size of curved text after applying the curve?

Yes, you can resize the curved text using the Transform tool (arrow icon) as long as the layer is not locked. Simply select the layer and drag the corner handles to scale it up or down.

Can I animate curved text in Procreate?

No, Procreate does not have built-in animation features for text. You can export your curved text design as a PNG or PSD and import it into an external animation app to add motion effects.

Does Procreate for iPhone support text curving?

What if my text looks pixelated after curving?

This usually happens when your canvas resolution is too low. Higher resolution gives you more pixels to work with, so the text remains sharp even after warping or liquifying.