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How to create a Step Text Effect in Illustrator? [Step-by-Step Guide]

byNancy Sharma Hours Last updated on 7 minutes

The step text effect also known as the stair text effect, is one of the most common types that video creators use to give an appealing look to their content. As the name suggests, the content is broken down into such a way that it is showcased as stairs. 

Many people use this effect as it’s easy to draw and can be added to Illustrators in a few steps. Adding formatted text in the videos not only makes the video more appealing but also is highly in demand. 

adobe illustrator oldest graphic designer software

People enjoy the visual experience more than normally formatted text. Well! If you are reading this blog, you might be looking for a quick and easy approach to create a 3D text effect in Illustrator.

Hopefully, this step-by-step guide will help you create step text effects in adobe illustrator without any hassle.

Here, you will get an idea how to create step text effects in simple techniques using the illustrator 3D rotator option. Indeed, you can also make this effect in photoshop, but it is a little complicated. 

Now, without any further ado, let’s begin with the process!

How to create a Stair Text effect in Illustrator?

  • Step-1 Navigate to your Illustrator software and type Select it from the bar, or press T.
illustrator menu bar

Type the word on which you want to add the effect. And scale the size. To make you more clear, I have typed the word STEP UP.

add text in illustrator

If you are new to Illustrator tool, then you can read this- how to use adobe Illustrator.

  • Step-2 Navigate to object and click on expand button. Once you expand the word or alphabet, it’s time to fill the Object and proceed further. 
select expand button
  • Step-3 Now, select the rectangle tool or press M. Draw the rectangle on the top of the type or word.
select rectangle tool

Once it is done, it’s time to extend the edges. You need to be very particular while aligning the top and edges of the image. After you are done with the alignment, don’t forget to select everything. 

draw rectangle
  • Step-4 Now, click on the Object > Path > Split Into Grid.
split into grid 1

Now you have to give five different surfaces, which means you are splitting the text into 5 parts. You can choose the rows where you want to apply this effect.

divide surface 1
  • Step-5 Go to the pathfinder tool and click on the divide. After taking this step, you will see that everything is divided into different parts. Now, you have to ungroup and deselect the words with shift press click, click, and so on. 

Now, I am deselecting the surface, which includes the text/word, and will delete all the rest of the area which is not in use. This will allow you to delete unnecessary surfaces easily.

delete unnecessary surfaces
  • Step-6 Once all the word shapes are deselected, it’s time to click on the delete button. You will be left with the one that you require. Just as shown below.
required image
  • Step-7 Now, it’s time to do some grouping. For this, you have to select all the top pieces and combine them all.  

Just click on unite. You will see that the selected item will act as a single object. Now, you have to follow the same approach for other objects to make them as a single object. 

unite image
  • Step-8 After grouping the objects, you have to apply the 3D rotate option. 

Thinking how? 

Well! Click on Effect> 3D rotate. 

3d rotate option
  • Step-9 You will be redirected to the page where you will find various options, but make sure you do not make any updates with that. You just have to choose the isometric top option under rotate. 
isometric top option
  • Step-10 After selecting the option, click OK.
  • Step-11- Go to an object and expand your appearance. Now you have to follow the same procedure for other objects, but make sure you pick different colors for that. One thing to be considered is that you have to put the extrude depth to 0 pt.
expand appearance

For your understanding, I have selected light grey color to show the difference. 

select colour
  • Step-12 Now go back to effect 3D rotation, and you have to follow the same steps that were done previously. Now, I am going to give the left-facing spacing. Just choose isometric left and click OK. 
choose isometric left

You will see another page where you will see a difference in your textual image.

color applied
  • Step-13 It’s time to make the adjustments. You can use the arrow to move further. Once the adjustments are made, you will see that the final product is very close to each. 
step text effect applied

The Final Say 

Hopefully, the above steps will help you in adding a step text effect in Illustrator without putting in much effort. 

Now that you have a step-by-step guide for making a stair text effect in Illustrator, it’s time to practice animating characters and share it with others. 

So, what are you looking for? Go Ahead and start adding an AWW effect to your video. If you need any kind of help in creating animated videos, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating text effects in Illustrator can be achieved through various methods. You can start by selecting the text you want to modify and then use the Appearance panel to apply various effects such as shadows, gradients, outlines, and more. Additionally, you can use the Type on a Path tool to wrap text around shapes or paths, creating unique effects. Illustrator also offers various graphic styles that you can apply to text for instant effects. Exploring Illustrator’s text tools and experimenting with different settings will help you achieve the desired text effects.

In Illustrator, creating steps or a step-by-step visual guide can be done by drawing shapes, lines, or arrows to represent each step in your illustration. You can use the Shape tools to create rectangles, circles, or other shapes for the steps. To make it more instructional, add labels or text alongside each shape to describe the step. Additionally, you can use the Pen Tool to draw custom shapes if needed. Arrange these elements in a logical sequence to create your step-by-step guide.

Flowing text in Illustrator is known as text wrapping or using the Type on a Path tool. To flow text along a path, follow these steps:

  • Create the path or shape you want the text to follow.
  • Select the Type on a Path tool from the toolbar.
  • Click on the path or shape where you want the text to start, and then type your text.
  • Adjust the text’s position, orientation, and spacing along the path using the Type on a Path options in the Character panel.
  • You can also use the Direct Selection Tool to modify the path’s shape or position to affect how the text flows.

Achieving a retro text effect in Illustrator involves a combination of techniques like using vintage-inspired fonts, applying texture overlays, and adjusting colors. Here’s a simplified process:

  • Type your text using a retro-style font.
  • Add a distressed texture or pattern overlay using the Transparency panel.
  • Adjust the text’s color palette to match the retro theme, typically using muted or vintage colors.
  • Apply subtle shading or gradients to the text to give it depth.
  • Experiment with different effects like drop shadows or outlines to enhance the retro look.
  • Fine-tune the appearance until you achieve the desired retro text effect.

Nancy Sharma, an Associate Graphic Designer, explores graphic design principles, branding and identity design, typography, color theory, and digital illustration. Her creative expertise enhances visual communication strategies, inspiring others with insightful perspectives on design aesthetics and effective communication through art.