resize the text box while keeping it locked to its current center point with click + option + drag.įor one thing, it has already saved me a ton of time painstakingly resizing text boxes in Illustrator.įor another thing, easier text box management prevents Tangled Text Box Syndrome.

constrain the proportions of the text box with click + shift + drag, or.In addition, you can also now use the selection tool to click any open point around the edge of the text box and resize the box with the usual object resizing options: “Auto Size” in the bottom left will be checked or unchecked. With an area text box selected, go to Type > Area Type Options. You can also see the status of your type in the Type drop-down menu. Go to Illustrator > Preferences > Type and check the box called “Auto Size New Area Type.” But wait, there’s more! Want to always default to auto-sized area text boxes?

Then the fun is all over and you have the solid handles back that indicate an area type box. This little arrow means that the text box will now automatically size to fit the text you insert or delete.Ī word from the wise: This magic only lasts until you manually resize the text box or until you flow the text. It should now have a tiny little downward-pointing arrow where the handle was previously. Now that your text box is only as large as the text inside it, have a close look at the bottom of the text box. (If this is your goal, go for it, but 99.9% of the time, I’m not seeking to distort my type.) 😉 Bonus!

Adobe illustrator how to resize image