How to Curve Text in Procreate: 3 Simple Methods

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 4 min read

Curving text in Procreate adds a unique touch to your designs, but it can be challenging to figure out how to do it. In this blog, we'll explore three simple methods to help you curve text in Procreate with ease. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to curve text in Procreate and elevate your artwork to the next level!

Method 1: Using the QuickShape Tool

The QuickShape tool in Procreate is a versatile feature that allows you to create perfect shapes with ease. We'll use it to draw a curve along which our text will follow. Let's dive into the steps!

Selecting the Appropriate Font

Before curving text, choose a font that complements your design. In Procreate, you can access various fonts by tapping the wrench icon, selecting "Add Text," and then tapping "Edit Style." Here, you'll find a list of fonts to choose from. Pick one that suits your project, and remember, you can always adjust the size and style later on.

Drawing the Curve with QuickShape

Create a new layer for your curve by tapping the "+" icon in the Layers panel.
Select the Brush tool and pick a suitable brush for drawing the curve.
Draw a curved line on the new layer. As you draw, don't lift your Apple Pencil or finger from the screen—hold it in place, and Procreate will automatically turn your line into a smooth curve using the QuickShape feature.
Adjust the curve as needed by tapping the "Edit Shape" button that appears on the screen and dragging the handles.

Positioning the Text Along the Curve

Now that we have our curve, it's time to position the text along it. Follow these steps:

Select the text layer by tapping it in the Layers panel.
Tap the arrow icon to activate the Transform tool.
Rotate, resize, and move the text to align it with the curve. You may need to adjust the spacing between the letters to create a more natural curve—tap the wrench icon, select "Edit Text," and adjust the "Kerning" slider to do this.
Once you're satisfied, merge the text and curve layers by pinching them together in the Layers panel.

And that's it! Using the QuickShape tool in Procreate, you've successfully curved your text. But there are other methods to explore, so let's move on to the next one!

Method 2: Using the Text on a Path Feature

While Procreate doesn't have a built-in "text on a path" feature, we can still achieve the same effect by using a workaround. This method involves creating a path and adjusting the text along it. Let's get started!

Creating a Path in Procreate

First, we'll create a path for the text to follow. Here's how:

Create a new layer for your path by tapping the "+" icon in the Layers panel.
Select the Brush tool and choose a brush that creates a continuous line with consistent thickness.
Draw a curved line on the new layer. This will act as the path for your text.

Adding and Adjusting Text

With our path in place, it's time to add and adjust the text:

Tap the wrench icon, and select "Add Text" to create a new text layer.
Type your desired text, and adjust its size and style as needed.
Activate the Transform tool by tapping the arrow icon.
Rotate, resize, and move the text so that it follows the curve of the path. Adjust the spacing between letters, as we did in the previous method, to make the text fit the curve more naturally.

Refining the Curved Text

Now that our text is aligned with the path, let's refine it to make it look even better:

Hide the path layer by tapping the checkmark next to it in the Layers panel. This will allow you to focus on the text.
If needed, make additional adjustments to the text's position, size, and spacing to perfect its alignment with the curve.
Once you're happy with the result, merge the text layer with the original artwork by pinching the layers together in the Layers panel.

And there you go! You've successfully curved text in Procreate using the "text on a path" workaround. But what if you want to try another approach? Let's explore our third and final method.

Method 3: Using an External App

Sometimes, using an external app can make curving text in Procreate even more convenient. There are several apps available that can help you curve text and import it into Procreate for further editing. Let's dive into this method!

Selecting the Right App

To get started, you'll need to choose an app that allows you to curve text easily. Some popular options include:

Over
Phonto
Canva

Choose the app that best suits your needs and is compatible with your device. Once you've made your choice, install the app and open it to begin curving your text.

Importing the Curved Text into Procreate

After you've curved your text using your chosen app, follow these steps to import it into Procreate:

Save the curved text as an image file (preferably with a transparent background) in your external app.
Return to Procreate and create a new layer for the imported text.
Tap the wrench icon, then tap "Add" and select "Insert a photo."
Navigate to your saved curved text image and tap to insert it into Procreate.

Editing and Finalizing the Text Design

Once your curved text is imported into Procreate, you can edit and finalize the design:

Use the Transform tool to adjust the size, position, and rotation of the text as needed.
Add any additional elements or effects to your design, such as shadows, highlights, or textures.
When you're satisfied with the result, merge the text layer with the original artwork by pinching the layers together in the Layers panel.

And that's it! You've now learned how to curve text in Procreate using an external app. With these three methods at your disposal, you'll be able to tackle any text-curving project with ease. Happy designing!

If you're eager to improve your drawing skills and learn how to use the powerful digital art tool, Procreate, check out Vicky Catalan's workshop, 'Learn How to Draw in Procreate'. This workshop will provide you with step-by-step guidance to help you create stunning digital artwork with ease and confidence.