Select the Direct Selection tool

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 97 views

Text on a Path's Selection Handles Not Showing in Illustrator: A Troubleshooting Guide

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor that offers a wide range of features and tools for creating complex designs. One of the most useful features in Illustrator is the ability to add text to a path, allowing users to create custom typography and designs. However, some users have reported an issue where the selection handles for text on a path are not showing, making it difficult to edit and manipulate the text. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix it.

Text on a path is a feature in Illustrator that allows users to add text to a custom path, such as a shape or a curve. This feature is useful for creating custom typography, logos, and designs. When text is added to a path, it becomes a single object, and the selection handles are used to edit and manipulate the text. However, in some cases, the selection handles may not show, making it difficult to edit the text.

There are several possible causes of the issue where the selection handles for text on a path are not showing. Some of the common causes include:

Incorrect tool selection: The Direct Selection tool may not be selected, which is required to see the selection handles.
Path type: The path type may be set to a type that does not support text on a path, such as a shape or a curve.
Text formatting: The text formatting may be set to a type that does not allow selection handles to show, such as a font that is not supported by Illustrator.
Layer organization: The text on a path may be on a layer that is not visible or is locked, which can prevent the selection handles from showing.

To troubleshoot the issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the Tool Selection

Select the Direct Selection tool: Make sure that the Direct Selection tool is selected. You can do this by going to the toolbar and selecting the Direct Selection tool or by pressing the "A" key on your keyboard.
Check the toolbars: Check the toolbars to make sure that the Direct Selection tool is selected.

Step 2: Check the Path Type

Select the path: Select the path that the text is on.
Check the path type: Check the path type by going to the "Object" menu and selecting "Path Type". Make sure that the path type is set to a type that supports text on a path, such as a curve or a shape.
Change the path type: If the path type is not set correctly, change it to a type that supports text on a path.

Step 3: Check the Text Formatting

Select the text: Select the text that is on the path.
Check the text formatting: Check the text formatting by going to the "Type" menu and selecting "Character". Make sure that the text formatting is set to a type that allows selection handles to show.
Change the text formatting: If the text formatting is not set correctly, change it to a type that allows selection handles to show.

Step 4: Check the Layer Organization

Select the layer: Select the layer that the text on a path is on.
Check the layer visibility: Check the layer visibility by going to the "Layers" panel and making sure that the layer is visible.
Check the layer lock: Check the layer lock by going to the "Layers" panel and making sure that the layer is not locked.
Unlock the layer: If the layer is locked, unlock it by going to the "Layers" panel and clicking on the lock icon.

In conclusion, the issue where the selection handles for text on a path are not showing in Illustrator can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect tool selection, path type, text formatting, and layer organization. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can identify and fix the issue, allowing them to edit and manipulate the text on a path.

Use the Direct Selection tool: Make sure to use the Direct Selection tool to select the text on a path.
Check the path type: Make sure that the path type is set to a type that supports text on a path.
Check the text formatting: Make sure that the text formatting is set to a type that allows selection handles to show.
Check the layer organization: Make sure that the layer is visible and not locked.

Issue: The selection handles are not showing, but the text is selected:
- Solution: Make sure that the Direct Selection tool is selected and that the path type is set to a type that supports text on a path.
Issue: The selection handles are not showing, and the text is not selected:
- Solution: Make sure that the Direct Selection tool is selected and that the path type is set to a type that supports text on a path. Also, check the layer organization to make sure that the layer is visible and not locked.
Issue: The selection handles are not showing, and the text is on a locked layer:
- Solution: Unlock the layer by going to the "Layers" panel and clicking on the lock icon.

In our previous article, we explored the possible causes of the issue where the selection handles for text on a path are not showing in Adobe Illustrator. We also provided a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue.

A: The selection handles for text on a path are small squares or circles that appear at the beginning and end of the text. These handles are used to edit and manipulate the text, such as changing the font, size, and color.

A: The selection handles may not show due to a variety of reasons, including incorrect tool selection, path type, text formatting, and layer organization.

A: To select the Direct Selection tool, go to the toolbar and select the Direct Selection tool or press the "A" key on your keyboard.

A: The Direct Selection tool is used to select individual objects or points, while the Selection tool is used to select entire groups of objects.

A: To change the path type, go to the "Object" menu and select "Path Type". Then, select the new path type from the list.

A: Your text may be on a locked layer if you have accidentally locked the layer or if you have set the layer to be locked by default.

A: To unlock a layer, go to the "Layers" panel and click on the lock icon next to the layer name.

A: Some common issues related to text on a path include:

The selection handles are not showing
The text is not selected
The text is on a locked layer
The path type is not set correctly

A: To troubleshoot these issues, follow the steps outlined in our previous article, including checking the tool selection, path type, text formatting, and layer organization.

A: Some additional tips for working with text on a path include:

Use the Direct Selection tool to select individual objects or points
Check the path type to make sure it is set correctly
Check the text formatting to make sure it is set correctly
Check the layer organization to make sure the layer is visible and not locked

In conclusion, the issue where the selection handles for text on a path are not showing in Adobe Illustrator can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect tool selection, path type, text formatting, and layer organization. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article and answering some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue, users can identify and fix the issue, allowing them to edit and manipulate the text on a path.

Adobe Illustrator User Guide: Text on a Path
Adobe Illustrator Tutorials: Text on a Path
Adobe Illustrator Community Forum: Text on a Path