Lettering Arc Guide
Build an arc text layout template with center alignment, tracking controls, and print-safe guides so your lettering lands cleanly on circular coasters, leather patches, and other shaped surfaces.
Arc text layout template
Type your phrase, fit it to an arc, and export a 1:1 printable transfer template.
Basic settings
Start here for most users. Advanced controls are optional.
PDF is the 1:1 print master. Crafters print, trim or tape, then trace/transfer onto coasters, leather, wood, or fabric.
Need-to-know
Q: Why PDF? A: It is the print master for accurate 1:1 transfer.
Q: When mirror on? A: Turn on for carbon/graphite/heat-transfer workflows.
Parameter Table (What To Set, Why It Matters)
| Setting | What It Controls | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Scene preset | Common arc layout structure. | Use `Top Arc` first; use `Badge Double Arc` for logo-style top/bottom text. |
| Top / Bottom text | Main and secondary curved copy. | Top for brand/title; bottom for city, year, subtitle, or slogan. |
| Target diameter (mm) | Real object size matching. | Set to actual piece size (coaster, leather patch, embroidery hoop, wood round). |
| Baseline radius | Text distance from center. | Raise for flatter arc; lower for tighter curve near center. |
| Start / End angle | Arc span and direction. | Widen span when text feels crowded or vertical. |
| Tracking (%) | Letter spacing on the arc. | Increase for logo look; reduce if words exceed arc length. |
| Output mode | Guide density in export. | `Workshop template` for setup; `Transfer clean` for final tracing transfer. |
| Mirror for transfer | Horizontal flip for transfer methods. | Enable for carbon paper, graphite transfer, heat transfer, and stamp transfer. |
FAQ: Use Cases, Workflow, and Capability
What do customers actually do with the PDF?
The PDF is a 1:1 print master. Users print at 100%, cut/align the sheet on the object, then trace or transfer the lettering path onto coaster blanks, leather tags, wood circles, or fabric hoops.
Is transfer mode mandatory for this tool?
For most real crafting scenarios, yes. Use `Transfer clean` plus `Mirror` when your process involves carbon paper transfer, graphite transfer paper, heat transfer, or reverse stamping.
Which real scenarios does this cover best?
Printable curved text template for coaster 90mm projects, leather patch lettering guides, circular wood sign arc text layout, and double-arc badge templates for embroidery and stitched logo designs.
What this tool can do vs cannot do?
It can generate printable arc text templates with sizing and transfer controls. It does not replace full vector typography tools for custom glyph drawing, advanced kerning tables, or freeform Bezier path lettering.
Why does text sometimes look too vertical?
Usually arc span is too narrow or angle range sits on the side of the circle. Choose `Top Arc`, widen start/end angle, and increase radius slightly for a flatter, more readable curved headline.