Adobe Illustrator

To fill text with a photo and keep the text editable, place an image into Illustrator (File>Place), then create some text with the Type tool (T) and position it on top of the photo. With the Selection tool, select both the photo and the type, and from the Object menu, select Clipping Mask>Make, or press Command-7 (PC: Control-7). Use the Type tool to edit the text or the Direct Selection tool (A) to move the photo. To cancel the effect completely, select the photo and text, then go back to the Object menu and choose Clipping Mask>Release. Let’s review the most important aspect of this technique: The masking object (in this case, the text) needs to be on top.

Start with a Font

Stuck for a design idea, or searching for some clip art? Why not check out your built-in symbol fonts such as Webdings, Dingbats, etc.? Get the Type tool (T) and click-and-drag out a text box. Choose a font type and pick a large size. Open the Glyphs palette (Window>Type>Glyphs) and use this palette to pick the shape (letter) you want to use. Once you’ve found a design you like, double-click on it to add it to the text box. Then, select the symbol in the text box with the Selection tool and from the Type menu, choose Create Outlines (or press Command-Shift-O [PC: Control-Shift-O]). Use the Direct Selection tool (A) to edit and work with the object(s).