Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics software used by designers worldwide. A core component of design within the application is typography. While Illustrator offers robust typographic controls—ranging from kerning and tracking to advanced OpenType features—certain elementary functions are not immediately accessible via keyboard shortcuts. A prime example is the "Underline Text" function. Unlike its sibling applications, InDesign and Photoshop, Illustrator does not ship with a pre-assigned default shortcut for underlining text. This paper explores the methods available to execute this command and advocates for the customization of the workspace to enhance efficiency.
Open Window > Type > Character Styles , create a new style, and check the "Underline" box in the Basic Character Formats. Customizing the Underline Look illustrator underline text shortcut
Establishing a custom shortcut for underlining text reduces cognitive load. In design, an underline is often used for emphasis, hyperlinks, or stylistic differentiation. The ability to toggle this style without taking one's hands off the keyboard allows for rapid iteration. A prime example is the "Underline Text" function
Sometimes the shortcut is overridden by your operating system or another application. Here's how to check or change it: Open Window > Type > Character Styles ,
This opens a hidden menu where you can change the Weight (thickness), Offset (distance from the text), and Color of the line. 💡 Quick Pro Tip
How to Underline Text in Adobe Illustrator. ... This page may contain links from our sponsors. Here's how we make money. Underlini... Bittbox Formatting characters - Adobe Help Center Apply underline or strikethrough * Select text. * Choose Underline or Strikethrough in the Character panel menu or the Control pan... Adobe Help Center How to Underline Text in Adobe Illustrator [2026 Full Guide] Nov 6, 2025 —
