convert outline to text in illustrator

how can I convert an outlined text back to editable text in Adobe Illustrator?

Solution 1:

There is an OCR text recognition option in Acrobat that can do this.

• Save your illustrator text as a pdf compatible file ( Small chunks is best).
• In Acrobat select Document/OCR Text Recognition
• Select file and follow instructions
• Once done use the text tool in Acrobat to copy and paste your new editable text back into Illustrator.

The font style you can get by uploading your PDF file up to a web program like 'Whatthefont'

Solution 2:

Sorry, no can do. Once text characters have been converted to paths they're just that: paths. Illustrator has no memory of where you got them from. So, no, no font info either.

Solution 3:

I do this quite often, with a plugin from Astute Graphics called: VectorFirstAid. It usually finds the right font as well, if installed. This plugin can do some more tasks that are often needed, like reconnecting lines of text or versa versa / breaking them up in words.