Release Type on a Path

Release Type on a Path

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Release Type on a Path is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script designed to separate text from its path while keeping both elements fully editable. Whether you need to extract just the text, just the path, or break them apart into independent objects, this script provides precise control over the process with a real-time preview, ensuring your design workflow remains efficient and non-destructive.

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Key Features

  • Separates Text & Path: Instantly converts Type on a Path into a standard Text Frame and a standard Path Item.
  • Four Release Modes: Choose exactly what to keep – Both, Path Only, Text Only, or Keep Original.
  • Real-time Preview: See changes immediately on the canvas before applying them.
  • Hide Edges: Toggle selection edges to view the clean result without visual clutter.
  • Style Preservation: Retains the original path's stroke and fill properties whenever possible.

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Installation

1. Download the Release Type on a Path.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Release Type on a Path.


Using the Script

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➊ Prepare Your Selection

Select one or more "Type on a Path" objects in your active Illustrator document. The script works with individual text objects as well as those nested inside groups.

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➋ Run the Script

Go to File > Scripts > Release Type on a Path. If you haven't installed it in the scripts folder, choose File > Scripts > Other Script... and navigate to the .jsx file.

The script dialog window will appear:

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image gallery

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➌ Choose Release Options

Once the dialog appears, use the Release Options panel to determine how the object should be processed:

  • Release Both (Path & Text): Creates independent text and path objects, removing the original combined object.
  • Release Path Only: Extracts the path geometry and discards the text.
  • Release Text Only: Extracts the text content and discards the path.
  • Release Copy (Keep Original): Creates copies of both the text and path while preserving the original Type on a Path object (non-destructive).

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➍ Preview the Result

  • The Preview checkbox is enabled by default, showing you exactly how the output will look on the artboard.
  • Toggle Hide Edges to temporarily hide selection bounding boxes and highlights. This gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the artwork to verify that styles and positions are correct.

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➎ Apply Changes

Click OK to confirm and apply the transformation. If you change your mind, clicking Cancel (or closing the window) will revert everything to its original state, ensuring no unwanted changes are made.

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☻ Wrap Up

Adobe Illustrator's Type on a Path feature is fantastic for creating curved text, but it comes with a frustrating limitation: once text is placed on a path, there's no native way to separate them while keeping both elements fully editable.

Release Type on a Path directly addresses this issue by providing what Illustrator should have included from the start – a clean, non-destructive way to separate text from its path while preserving complete editability of both elements.

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Release Type on a Path

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Release Type on a Path

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2026 (30.0)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

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Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

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➍ Favourites

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Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Release Type on a Path.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Release Type on a Path.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Release Type on a Path script to run it.
    5. The Release Type on a Path script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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