Overlapping Text in Illustrator

Today, we will learn a really easy way to overlap text in Illustrator using the Shape Builder Tool. This is the simplest way to create this handy text effect, and once you get a hold of the process, you can use it to create some amazing logos, stickers, and monograms to personalize any object that you may want.

For this tutorial, we used the Gontano font from our great list of sans serif fonts. And to showcase our design, we chose this cool t-shirt mockup.

Step 1 - Type Your Text

First, we are going to type the text we want to overlap. Select the Type Tool (T), choose your font in the Control panel at the top, click on the canvas, and type your text.

Step 2 - Convert Your Text to Paths

We need to turn our text into paths so we can manipulate it to create the overlapping effect. Go to Type > Create Outlines, or right-click on top of the text and choose Create Outlines.

Then, right-click and choose Ungroup (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G) to separate the letters.

Step 3 - Prepare and Arrange the Letters

Now it’s time to prepare and arrange our letters to the position we want them to overlap.

Show Grid

If you need some aid when placing the letters, or in case you want to modify them to fit your design, you can turn on the grid by going to View > Show Grid. Make sure that Snap to Grid is also enabled.

Assign a Color to Each Letter

It is a good idea to assign each letter a different fill color to better differentiate each one during the process. Set Stroke to None.

Swap Fill and Stroke Colors

For now, swap the Fill and Stroke by pressing Shift+X so that the letters have a stroke color but no fill. This will help give you a better view of how your letters overlap.

Then, arrange your individual letters where you want them overlapping one another. You can swap the Fill and Stroke back once you are done.

Step 4 - Create an Offset Path of the Letters

Now, we need to create a gap around the areas where the letters overlap.

Select All Your Letters

Once you are happy with the letter placement, select all your letters (Cmd/Ctrl + A).

Make an Offset Path

Then go to Object > Path > Offset Path.

Adjust the offset value to your liking to create an outline around the letters. Since our font is on the thicker side, we used a value of -5 px, but you can also use a positive value. Leave the other settings as default and click OK.

Step 5 - Merge and Delete Letter Parts

Next, we are going to merge together the areas of each letter that we want to show. Then we will eliminate the shapes for the empty space around the letters.

It is a good idea to have a reference sketch of your desired design to aid you in this process so you won’t accidentally merge together or erase the wrong sections.

Merge the Visible Portions Using the Shape Builder Tool

We will start by merging together the areas we want to be visible.

First, make sure that everything is selected by using Command/Control+A. Then, pick the Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M) from the left toolbar.

Now, to merge portions of the letter together, first make sure that the Fill color you want is selected. Then just click or click and drag with your cursor on top of each letter part to join them together.

You should notice that the cursor turns into an arrow with a + (plus) sign next to it, indicating that you are merging your selection.

Repeat this process with any other areas of the letter that may need it. And also, with the rest of your letters. Remember to change the Fill color to the one you chose for that particular letter before merging the sections.

Remove the Gap Areas Using the Shape Builder Tool

Now, we are going to get rid of the unwanted areas like the ones made with the offset path to create the gap between the overlapping letters.

Without exiting the Shape Builder Tool, press and hold the Option/Alt key, then click and drag on the areas you want to delete. You should notice that the cursor now has a - (minus) sign next to it, indicating that you are deleting your selection.

Be careful not to touch any area you want to keep and delete it by mistake. If you accidentally delete something, just use Command/Control+Z to undo your action.

Repeat with the rest of the letters until you have your final design.

Step 6 - Group Individual Letter Parts and Fine Tune Your Design

If a letter is divided into two or more portions, select them, right-click and choose Group (Cmd/Ctrl + G) from the menu. Now, you can change the color of your letters at any point.

You can also add a Stroke to your letters to create some depth.

Here are some examples of different color combinations and different backgrounds.

We successfully created a cool looking monogram by overlapping text in Illustrator that you can use to personalize some t-shirts. Feel free to experiment with this technique and combine different fonts, font sizes, and colors on your next project.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, why don’t you check out our guides on using the knife tool or intertwining text in Illustrator?