How to Use the Blend Tool with Text in Illustrator

This tutorial is going to take you step-by-step on how to utilize the blend tool with text, this is a great technique to create ‘tube-like’ 3D text. The blend tool is a great tool to use within your designs to create unique styles and finishes.

You can also find out how to use the Blend Tool Half Tone Effect in Photoshop and Illustrator to create beautiful illustrative effects or Create Color Schemes with Blend Tool in Illustrator for vibrant color palettes.

Step 1 - Create your text

Firstly, choose your font - for this particular technique, a single line font will give you the best results. I’m using Dear Agatha from Font Bundles.

Once you have your text complete and you are happy with the layout, outline your design by selecting Type > Create Outlines and ungroup your letters by selecting Object > Ungroup.

Step 2 - Release Compound Path

It is now important to select Object > Compound Path > Release. This will allow Illustrator to recognize the spine of your path.. this will make more sense a little later on.

Step 3 - Create a circle

Next, choose the circle shape by holding down the shapes tool and selecting the circle.

Create a small circle anywhere in your artboard - the size of this circle will determine the weight of the final text.

Step 4 - Apply a gradient

You now want to apply a gradient to your circle, if your Gradient panel isn’t already open, select Window > Gradient. Then apply it to the fill of your circle.

Step 5 - Duplicate your circle

Hold Cmd + Shift + Alt, then click and drag your new circle a short distance from your first one. Now duplicate it a number of times as shown in the screenshot, using Cmd + D.

Step 6 - Create your blend

Highlight all your circles and select Object > Blend > Make. You now need to ensure you have the correct options selected by selecting Object > Blend > Blend Options.

Choose your spacing to be 'Specified Steps' and set your number of steps to be 20 for now, as higher numbers will slow down your Illustrator.

You should now have a line of color made up from your original circle. Duplicate these lines as you will need 1 line per shape/letter.

Step 7 - Apply your blend to your text

Now, select your first letter and one line of circles. My first letter is in 3 parts, so I will be doing this step 3 times to complete it. Then, select Object > Blend > Replace Spine.

Once you have completed your first letter, you can apply this effect to your remaining letters.

Step 8 - Create a smoother blend

You now need to create extra circles within your design to ensure you have the smoothest finish. Highlight your design and select Object > Blend > Blend Options and change your number of circles to anywhere between 200 and 1000. You can decide which looks best for your design, I have set mine to 500.

Step 9 - Remove glitches

You may notice some glitches within the design that disrupt your smooth finish. Use the Direct Selection Tool (the white arrow) to select the circles and delete from the design. This should reveal the smoother finish.

And there you have your final effect! The technique can have so many different finishes by changing the colors and the format of your gradient or even using different shapes. It’s a great way of creating 3D text without using 3D software.

Next up, learn how to use the shape builder tool and create a pastel gradient backgroundin Adobe Illustrator.