Okuzeka
Graphic Design vocabulary · Design Software & Tools

Convert to outlines

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

phraseCommon term

In graphic design, convert to outlines means: To turn live, editable text into vector shapes, so the file looks correct even on a computer that does not have the font. The text can no longer be edited as type.

In Turkish: outline'a çevirmek, eğriye çevirmek, yazıyı vektöre dönüştürmek

How it is used

Used when sending logos and print files. Printers may ask you to convert text to outlines; in Illustrator the command is Create Outlines, and people also say outline the text. Always keep a copy with live text.

Example sentences

  1. Please convert all fonts to outlines before you send the logo file to the sign maker.

  2. I converted the headline to outlines and then couldn't fix the typo; luckily I'd kept a backup.

Common collocations

  • convert text to outlines
  • create outlines
  • outline the fonts
  • outlined text
  • fontOne specific style and weight of a typeface, such as Arial Bold, usually stored as a file you install on your computer. In everyday speech it often means the typeface itself.
  • vector graphicAn image made of points, lines and curves defined by mathematics rather than pixels, so it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Logos and icons are usually vector graphics.
  • print-readyDescribes a final file that meets the printer's requirements and can go straight to press, with correct size, bleed, colour mode, image resolution and fonts.
  • packageTo collect a layout file together with all its linked images and fonts into one folder, so another designer or printer can open and print it without missing files.

More terms: Design Software & Tools

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: