The Remaining Alphabet

Repeat the same steps used to create A thru F as you create the rest of the alphabet.

The entire alphabet is created using the same steps we used for letters A thru F. In this section we'll review those steps so you can continue creating the rest of the alphabet on your own.

Bubble letters have no straight lines or sharp corners--everything is very rounded. Every letter is started with the Ellipse Preset Shape. The Ellipse has 4 nodes. Many letters will require adding nodes to the ellipse. In the above image, placement of nodes for the remaining alphabet is indicated by red and blue 'node dots'. Letters with blue dots are the easiest because they are shaped with just 4 nodes and need nothing added (except O will need center subtracted). Letters with red dots will need a little more manipulation and some nodes added. See below for the basic steps and some node editing tips.

Create new vector layer: I suggest that every letter be created on it's own vector layer. This is not a necessity when working with all vectors, however, having each letter on its own layer is helpful if you plan to later convert to raster (to add filters and effects).

1. Hide previous layer.
2. Colors: Black outline, fill color of your choice.
3. Tool options: Same for all letters - Show Nodes, Create on Vector, Line Style Solid, Width 3 (optional), Anti-Alias checked.
4. Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Convert to path.
5. Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Add any necessary nodes.
6. Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Lengthen, shorten or rotate control arms to shape the letter.
7. Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Change node type where needed.

To subtract a shape to create a 'hole', refer to letter A.
To add a node, refer to letter B for adding nodes.
Also refer back to letter B for turning rounded corners.
To remove or merge nodes, refer to letter D.

Node editing tips:

• Only 2 node types are used to shape bubble letters. 'Symmetric' for smooth curves and 'Asymmetric' for corners and curvy turns. (One exception: the Q may require a Cusp node to make the sharp turn of the cross stroke.)
• For nearly every letter, start with ellipse shaped into rounded box (except I, O, Q).
• Create the N first, then duplicate the N to create the M by adding a couple more nodes.
• Duplicate the M layer to make the W. Use the Pen tool to drag a selection around all nodes, right click, select Transform Selected Nodes > Flip.
• Duplicate the N layer to create the Z. Drag a selection around entire shape and rotate clockwise.
• Many other letters can be duplicated to save time: P can be transformed into R, O into Q, K into X.