Copy and paste text outlines in one step (Adobe InDesign)

When you select text with the Type tool and choose Type > Create Outlines, you transform the selection into editable paths. Converting text to outlines enables you to manipulate the individual letter shapes, as well as use them as frames, and it eliminates the need for the font. The only downfall is that once you convert text to outlines, it loses its editing capabilities. To correct a misspelled word, for example, you have to retype the word and reconvert it to outlines, and reapply any other effects too. However, if you hold down the [option] key ([Alt] key in Windows) while you choose Type > Create Outlines, InDesign creates a copy of the text directly on top and converts it to paths—leaving the original text intact. After you move the converted text to a new layer, lock and hide the layer for the original text. This will keep it from getting in the way and creating problems in print. Best of all, you still have a copy of the text that you can edit if necessary.