Change Case to Capitalize Each Word in Logo Text
How to convert logo lettering to title case in vector apps, why outlined text and raster images won't convert, and what to check before changing a logo's capitalization.
Contents
The short answer
To capitalize each word in a logo's wordmark, select the live text in your vector editor and apply the program's Title Case command. Applying it changes "BLUE HARBOR COFFEE" or "blue harbor coffee" to "Blue Harbor Coffee". The command only works while the lettering is still editable type. If the wordmark has been converted to outlines, was drawn as custom lettering, or exists only as an embedded raster image, there are no characters for the software to change. In those cases the words must be retyped in the correct font or redrawn.
Nothing in this article was tested on your particular logo file. It describes how case conversion generally behaves in vector logo artwork. Menu names and behavior can differ between software versions, so check them against the version you have installed.
Where the command lives in common vector tools
| Application | Typical location | Notes |
| Adobe Illustrator | Type > Change Case > Title Case | Also offers UPPERCASE, lowercase and Sentence case. Works on selected live text. |
| CorelDRAW | Text > Change Case | Includes Title Case alongside sentence, lower, upper and toggle case options. |
| Inkscape | Extensions > Text > Title Case | Implemented as an extension that rewrites the selected text objects. |
Some design apps apply capitalization as a display style instead of rewriting the characters. When that happens, the text looks like title case on screen, but the stored characters stay as they were typed. That difference matters if the text is later exported, copied or opened in another program.
Title case versus capitalizing each word
Built-in Title Case commands usually capitalize the first letter of every word. They do not follow editorial style guides, which often keep short words such as "of", "and" or "the" lowercase. A conversion may therefore produce "House Of The Rising Sun" when the brand spells it "House of the Rising Sun". Proofread the result against the brand's approved spelling. Also check names with internal capitals, such as "McAllister" or "iPhone"-style styling, because an automatic conversion can flatten them.
Converting uppercase lettering to title case
The result depends on how the capitals got there.
- Typed in capitals: the characters themselves are uppercase, so Title Case can rewrite them to an initial capital followed by lowercase.
- Styled as All Caps: a character-level All Caps or small-caps setting displays capitals over text that may actually be lowercase. Title Case can appear to do nothing until that setting is switched off.
- An all-caps-only typeface: some display fonts contain only capital forms, or use small capitals in the lowercase positions. Converting the case cannot create letterforms the font does not include.
When the lettering is no longer text
Delivered logo files often have their type converted to outlines. This is done so the logo displays correctly without the font installed. Outlined letters are vector shapes, so a case command cannot touch them. Common signs are that the type tool won't place a cursor in the word and that the selection shows anchor points on every letter. If the original font is available and licensed, the usual fix is to retype the wordmark as live text, apply the case you want, rebuild the spacing, and then outline it again for delivery.
A file extension does not tell you whether the lettering is live text, outlined paths or a pasted bitmap. An SVG, EPS, AI or PDF can contain any of these. Inspect the artwork itself in an editor. A raster image embedded in a vector file, or a raster preview shown in place of the artwork, offers neither editable characters nor editable paths. Changing the case in that situation means recreating the wordmark.
Design consequences of changing case
- Spacing: kerning and tracking tuned for capitals rarely suit mixed case. Expect to readjust letter pairs, and often to reduce tracking.
- Proportions: lowercase letters with ascenders and descenders change the wordmark's silhouette and how it lines up with any symbol.
- Ligatures and alternates: mixed case may trigger, or remove, OpenType ligatures and stylistic alternates that the original design relied on.
- Legibility at small sizes: mixed case and all caps hold up differently in favicons, embroidery and signage, so review the new version at its real sizes.
Permission is a separate question
Being able to download or open a logo file does not give you the right to change it. Capitalization is often a defined part of a brand's identity. Altering it in a trademarked logo may conflict with brand guidelines or trademark rights, even when the edit itself is easy. Font licenses are a separate matter again and may limit how the typeface is installed, edited or embedded. Before you deliver a recapitalized version, confirm you have the rights to modify the artwork, use the font and use the mark.
Gaps to resolve for your file
Without your actual artwork, three things remain open. First, whether the wordmark is live text, outlines or a raster image. Second, whether the original font is available and licensed. Third, whether the brand owner has approved a change in capitalization. Answer those three questions and you will know whether a one-click Title Case conversion will work or a rebuild is needed.