diff --git a/crates/automation/src/workspace.rs b/crates/automation/src/workspace.rs
index eaed0e1c6..cde3a3a70 100644
--- a/crates/automation/src/workspace.rs
+++ b/crates/automation/src/workspace.rs
@@ -858,6 +858,8 @@ mod tests {
                 | "path.clippingPath.set"
                 | "path.rename"
                 | "path.stroke"
+                | "type.attachToPath"
+                | "type.detachFromPath"
                 | "select.toWorkPath"
                 | "layer.vectorMask.add"
                 | "layer.vectorMask.edit"
diff --git a/crates/doc/src/text.rs b/crates/doc/src/text.rs
index fc586e3c2..6f7836fa4 100644
--- a/crates/doc/src/text.rs
+++ b/crates/doc/src/text.rs
@@ -209,13 +209,18 @@ pub struct ParagraphRun {
 }
 
 /// Point text grows from its anchor (text-space origin = first baseline at the anchor);
-/// paragraph (box) text wraps inside a rectangle.
-#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+/// paragraph (box) text wraps inside a rectangle; path text runs along a curve.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum TextShape {
     #[default]
     Point,
     /// Text-space pixels, before the layer transform.
     Box { x: f32, y: f32, width: f32, height: f32 },
+    /// Type on a path: one line laid out like point text, then each glyph is placed on `path`
+    /// (text-space pixels, before the layer transform) by arc length and turned to follow the
+    /// curve. `start` is the arc-length offset (px) of the text origin along the path; `flip`
+    /// puts the text on the other side of the path.
+    Path { path: super::vector::Subpath, start: f32, flip: bool },
 }
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Default, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds.rs b/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds.rs
index a11db9976..1e7556b1d 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds.rs
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ fn has_point_text(s: &Session) -> std::result::Result<(), String> {
     match active_text(s)?.shape {
         TextShape::Point => Ok(()),
         TextShape::Box { .. } => Err("the type layer is already paragraph text".into()),
+        TextShape::Path { .. } => Err("detach the type layer from its path first".into()),
     }
 }
 
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ fn has_box_text(s: &Session) -> std::result::Result<(), String> {
     match active_text(s)?.shape {
         TextShape::Box { .. } => Ok(()),
         TextShape::Point => Err("the type layer is already point text".into()),
+        TextShape::Path { .. } => Err("the type layer is path text".into()),
     }
 }
 
@@ -279,7 +281,7 @@ fn contours(els: &[PathEl]) -> Vec<Vec<Knot>> {
 /// which reproduces the nonzero fill under Photoshop's per-subpath path operations.
 pub fn text_path(doc: &Document, t: &TextLayer) -> Path {
     let l = layout(doc, t);
-    let warp = photocraft_text::render::layout_warp(&l, t.warp.as_ref());
+    let warp = photocraft_text::render::layout_deform(&l, t);
     let mut subpaths = Vec::new();
     for glyph in photocraft_text::render::outlines(&l, &t.transform, warp.as_ref()) {
         let cs = contours(&glyph);
@@ -321,6 +323,95 @@ fn convert_to_shape(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     Ok(json!({"layer": id.0, "subpaths": n}))
 }
 
+// ---------- type on a path ----------
+
+/// Largest anchor count of a path that type can follow (a hostile document cannot make the
+/// layout walk millions of segments).
+const MAX_TYPE_PATH_KNOTS: usize = 100_000;
+
+/// The subpath `type.attachToPath` follows, in document space: the work path (default) or a
+/// shape layer's path (`"shape":id`), subpath `"subpath"` (default 0).
+fn path_source(doc: &Document, p: &Value) -> Result<Subpath> {
+    let bad = |m: &str| EngineError::BadParams { cmd: "type.attachToPath".into(), msg: m.into() };
+    let path = match p.get("shape") {
+        None | Some(Value::Null) => doc.work_path.as_ref().ok_or_else(|| bad("the document has no work path; draw a path or pass \"shape\":layerId"))?,
+        Some(v) => {
+            let id = v.as_u64().ok_or_else(|| bad("\"shape\" must be a layer id"))?;
+            match doc.layer(LayerId(id)).map(|l| &l.content) {
+                Some(LayerContent::Shape(sh)) => &sh.path,
+                Some(_) => return Err(bad("\"shape\" is not a shape layer")),
+                None => return Err(EngineError::NoLayer(LayerId(id))),
+            }
+        }
+    };
+    let index = match p.get("subpath") {
+        None | Some(Value::Null) => 0,
+        Some(v) => v.as_u64().and_then(|n| usize::try_from(n).ok()).ok_or_else(|| bad("\"subpath\" must be a non-negative index"))?,
+    };
+    let sub = path.subpaths.get(index).ok_or_else(|| bad("the path has no such subpath"))?;
+    if sub.knots.len() < 2 {
+        return Err(bad("the subpath needs at least two anchor points"));
+    }
+    if sub.knots.len() > MAX_TYPE_PATH_KNOTS {
+        return Err(bad("the subpath has too many anchor points"));
+    }
+    Ok(sub.clone())
+}
+
+fn attach_to_path(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
+    let bad = |m: &str| EngineError::BadParams { cmd: "type.attachToPath".into(), msg: m.into() };
+    let start = match p.get("start") {
+        None | Some(Value::Null) => 0.0,
+        Some(v) => v.as_f64().filter(|n| n.is_finite()).ok_or_else(|| bad("\"start\" must be a finite number of pixels"))? as f32,
+    };
+    let flip = match p.get("flip") {
+        None | Some(Value::Null) => false,
+        Some(v) => v.as_bool().ok_or_else(|| bad("\"flip\" must be true or false"))?,
+    };
+    let id = layer_param(s, p)?;
+    let doc = &s.active().ok_or(EngineError::NoDocument)?.doc;
+    if doc.effective_locks(id).all {
+        return Err(EngineError::Other("the type layer is locked".into()));
+    }
+    let sub = path_source(doc, p)?;
+    with_text(s, p, "Type on a Path", |t, _| {
+        // The path lives in document space; the type layer keeps it in its own text space, so
+        // the type lands on the path where it is drawn.
+        let inv = t.transform.inverse().ok_or_else(|| EngineError::Other("the type layer's transform cannot be inverted".into()))?;
+        let map = |q: Point| inv.apply(q);
+        let knots = sub.knots.iter().map(|k| Knot { anchor: map(k.anchor), in_ctrl: map(k.in_ctrl), out_ctrl: map(k.out_ctrl), smooth: k.smooth }).collect();
+        let path = Subpath { closed: sub.closed, knots, op: PathOp::Combine };
+        if !path.knots.iter().all(|k| [k.anchor, k.in_ctrl, k.out_ctrl].iter().all(|q| q.x.is_finite() && q.y.is_finite())) {
+            return Err(EngineError::Other("the path cannot be mapped into the type layer".into()));
+        }
+        t.shape = TextShape::Path { path, start, flip };
+        Ok(())
+    })?;
+    Ok(json!({"layer": id.0, "start": start, "flip": flip}))
+}
+
+fn is_path_text(s: &Session) -> std::result::Result<(), String> {
+    match active_text(s)?.shape {
+        TextShape::Path { .. } => Ok(()),
+        _ => Err("the type layer is not on a path".into()),
+    }
+}
+
+fn detach_from_path(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
+    let id = layer_param(s, p)?;
+    with_text(s, p, "Release Type from Path", |t, _| {
+        if !matches!(t.shape, TextShape::Path { .. }) {
+            return Err(EngineError::Other("the type layer is not on a path".into()));
+        }
+        // Point text starts where the type started on the path.
+        let origin = photocraft_text::warp::Warp::on_path(&t.shape).map_or((0.0, 0.0), |w| w.apply(0.0, 0.0));
+        t.shape = TextShape::Point;
+        t.transform = then_translate(&t.transform, origin.0, origin.1);
+        Ok(())
+    })?;
+    Ok(json!({"layer": id.0}))
+}
+
 // ---------- warp ----------
 
 fn warp_text(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
@@ -588,6 +679,15 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
             has_format_target,
             warp_text
         ),
+        spec!(
+            "type.attachToPath",
+            "Type on a Path",
+            &[],
+            r##"{"layer":id? (default active Type layer),"shape":layerId? (a shape layer; default the work path),"subpath":index=0,"start":px=0 (offset along the path),"flip":bool=false (run along the path the other way, on its other side)}"##,
+            has_text,
+            attach_to_path
+        ),
+        spec!("type.detachFromPath", "Release Type from Path", &[], LP, is_path_text, detach_from_path),
         spec!("type.updateAllTextLayers", "Update All Text Layers", &["Type"], "{}", any_text, |s, _| update_all(s)),
         spec!("type.replaceAllMissingFonts", "Replace All Missing Fonts", &["Type"], "{} (with the default family)", any_text, |s, _| replace_fonts(
             s,
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds/tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds/tests.rs
index 395128a44..c0c091b10 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/type_extra_cmds/tests.rs
@@ -283,6 +283,36 @@ fn rasterize_type_layer() {
     assert!(!s.is_enabled("type.rasterizeTypeLayer"));
 }
 
+#[test]
+fn type_attaches_to_a_path_and_releases_it() {
+    let mut s = session(8);
+    let id = text_layer(&mut s, "Hello path");
+    assert!(s.is_enabled("type.attachToPath"));
+    assert!(!s.is_enabled("type.detachFromPath"));
+    // No work path yet, a bad subpath and bad params are errors, not panics.
+    assert!(s.execute("type.attachToPath", json!({})).is_err());
+    let flat = ink(&s, id);
+    s.edit("path", |doc, _| {
+        doc.work_path = Some(Path::new(vec![Subpath::polyline(&[(150.0, 10.0), (150.0, 110.0)])]));
+        Ok(())
+    })
+    .unwrap();
+    assert!(s.execute("type.attachToPath", json!({"subpath": 5})).is_err());
+    assert!(s.execute("type.attachToPath", json!({"start": "far"})).is_err());
+    assert!(s.execute("type.attachToPath", json!({"shape": 9999})).is_err());
+    s.execute("type.attachToPath", json!({"start": 4})).unwrap();
+    assert!(matches!(text(&s, id).shape, TextShape::Path { start, .. } if start == 4.0));
+    let on_path = ink(&s, id);
+    assert!(on_path.height() > on_path.width(), "the type runs down the vertical path: {on_path:?}");
+    assert!(on_path.height() > flat.height());
+    assert!(!s.is_enabled("type.convertToPointText"));
+    s.execute("type.detachFromPath", json!({})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(text(&s, id).shape, TextShape::Point);
+    assert!(ink(&s, id).width() > ink(&s, id).height());
+    assert!(s.undo());
+    assert!(matches!(text(&s, id).shape, TextShape::Path { .. }));
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn all_locked_layer_rejects_paste_lorem_ipsum_without_history() {
     // #4188: Lock All stopped type.edit (#3132) but not Paste Lorem Ipsum into the layer.
diff --git a/crates/format/src/convert.rs b/crates/format/src/convert.rs
index 47ea5383d..a26219033 100644
--- a/crates/format/src/convert.rs
+++ b/crates/format/src/convert.rs
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ fn layer_m(l: &Layer, sink: &mut dyn Sink) -> LayerM {
             psd_raw: opt_blob(&t.psd_raw, sink),
             runs: t.runs.clone(),
             paragraphs: t.paragraphs.clone(),
-            shape: t.shape,
+            shape: t.shape.clone(),
             orientation: t.orientation,
             antialias: t.antialias,
             warp: t.warp.clone(),
@@ -459,7 +459,7 @@ impl Loader<'_> {
                     psd_raw: self.opt_blob(psd_raw)?,
                     runs: runs.clone(),
                     paragraphs: paragraphs.clone(),
-                    shape: *shape,
+                    shape: shape.clone(),
                     orientation: *orientation,
                     antialias: *antialias,
                     warp: warp.clone(),
diff --git a/crates/format/tests/roundtrip.rs b/crates/format/tests/roundtrip.rs
index 42dbfae5c..8b74a00c4 100644
--- a/crates/format/tests/roundtrip.rs
+++ b/crates/format/tests/roundtrip.rs
@@ -541,6 +541,27 @@ fn text_kerning_roundtrips_and_defaults() {
     assert!(s.contains("\"kern\":0.0"), "kern defaults to 0");
 }
 
+/// Type on a path (#218): the path, start offset and flip survive .pcraft.
+#[test]
+fn path_text_shape_roundtrips() {
+    use photocraft_doc::text::TextShape;
+    use photocraft_doc::vector::Subpath;
+    let mut doc = rich_doc(ColorMode::Rgb, SampleType::U8);
+    let path = Subpath::polyline(&[(0.0, 0.0), (50.0, 20.0), (120.0, 5.5)]);
+    let ids: Vec<LayerId> = doc.walk().into_iter().filter(|(_, _, l)| matches!(l.content, LayerContent::Text(_))).map(|(_, _, l)| l.id).collect();
+    for id in ids {
+        if let Some(LayerContent::Text(t)) = doc.layer_mut(id).map(|l| &mut l.content) {
+            t.shape = TextShape::Path { path: path.clone(), start: 12.5, flip: true };
+        }
+    }
+    let back = load_from_bytes(&save_to_bytes(&doc, &SaveOptions::default()).unwrap()).unwrap();
+    let shape = back.walk().into_iter().find_map(|(_, _, l)| match &l.content {
+        LayerContent::Text(t) => Some(t.shape.clone()),
+        _ => None,
+    });
+    assert_eq!(shape, Some(TextShape::Path { path, start: 12.5, flip: true }));
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn channel_restrictions_and_bevel_elements_roundtrip() {
     use photocraft_doc::{Bevel, BevelContour, BevelTexture, Contour, Effect};
diff --git a/crates/io/src/text_import.rs b/crates/io/src/text_import.rs
index 9159f704d..595c887be 100644
--- a/crates/io/src/text_import.rs
+++ b/crates/io/src/text_import.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ pub(crate) const MAX_RENDER_PIXELS: u64 = 64 * 1024 * 1024;
 /// Renders `t` from its model unless its ink would exceed [`MAX_RENDER_PIXELS`].
 fn render_bounded(eng: &mut photocraft_text::TextEngine, t: &mut TextLayer, dpi: f32, format: photocraft_color::PixelFormat) {
     let layout = eng.layout(t, dpi);
-    let warp = photocraft_text::render::layout_warp(&layout, t.warp.as_ref());
+    let warp = photocraft_text::render::layout_deform(&layout, t);
     let ink = photocraft_text::render::ink_rect_warped(&layout, &t.transform, warp.as_ref());
     if u64::from(ink.width()).saturating_mul(u64::from(ink.height())) > MAX_RENDER_PIXELS {
         t.cache = Some(photocraft_raster::Surface::new(photocraft_color::PixelFormat { alpha: true, ..format }));
diff --git a/crates/io/tests/psd_type_bounds.rs b/crates/io/tests/psd_type_bounds.rs
index 95e7ddfa1..8fabe8be2 100644
--- a/crates/io/tests/psd_type_bounds.rs
+++ b/crates/io/tests/psd_type_bounds.rs
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ fn imported_type_layers_keep_their_full_bounds() {
         // Model: size in points at the document resolution, transform and shape as written.
         assert!((t.runs[0].style.size_pt - c.size_pt).abs() < 0.01, "{}: size {} pt, want {}", c.name, t.runs[0].style.size_pt, c.size_pt);
         assert_eq!(t.transform, c.transform, "{}", c.name);
-        match (c.box_bounds, t.shape) {
+        match (c.box_bounds, t.shape.clone()) {
             (None, TextShape::Point) => {}
             (Some(b), TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height }) => {
                 assert_eq!([x, y, x + width, y + height].map(f64::from), b, "{}", c.name)
diff --git a/crates/io/tests/psd_vertical_type.rs b/crates/io/tests/psd_vertical_type.rs
index e69f725da..93cd1a885 100644
--- a/crates/io/tests/psd_vertical_type.rs
+++ b/crates/io/tests/psd_vertical_type.rs
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ fn text(doc: &Document) -> &TextLayer {
 #[test]
 fn vertical_orientation_round_trips_through_psd() {
     for shape in [TextShape::Point, TextShape::Box { x: -200.0, y: 0.0, width: 220.0, height: 300.0 }] {
-        let doc = doc_with(shape);
+        let doc = doc_with(shape.clone());
         let ink = text(&doc).cache.as_ref().unwrap().content_bounds();
         assert!(ink.height() > ink.width(), "{shape:?}: {ink:?}");
         let out = photocraft_io::export(&doc, "v.psd", &Default::default()).unwrap();
diff --git a/crates/text/src/layout.rs b/crates/text/src/layout.rs
index 7fdbb8a01..720347d62 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/layout.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/layout.rs
@@ -483,7 +483,8 @@ impl Layouter {
         let text = &t.text;
         let (box_rect, is_box) = match t.shape {
             TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height } => ((x, y, width, height), true),
-            TextShape::Point => ((0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0), false),
+            // Path text is laid out as one point-text line, then bent onto the path.
+            TextShape::Point | TextShape::Path { .. } => ((0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0), false),
         };
         let mut prev_baseline: Option<f32> = None;
         let mut pending_space = 0.0f32;
diff --git a/crates/text/src/lib.rs b/crates/text/src/lib.rs
index 35e7dccbd..64db53ece 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/lib.rs
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ impl TextEngine {
     /// Lays out and rasterizes a text layer into document space.
     pub fn render(&mut self, layer: &TextLayer, dpi: f32, format: PixelFormat) -> (TextLayout, Rendered) {
         let l = self.layout(layer, dpi);
-        let warp = render::layout_warp(&l, layer.warp.as_ref());
+        let warp = render::layout_deform(&l, layer);
         let r = render::rasterize_warped(&l, &layer.transform, format, layer.antialias, warp.as_ref());
         (l, r)
     }
diff --git a/crates/text/src/psd.rs b/crates/text/src/psd.rs
index 27b190951..8a915c2d0 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/psd.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/psd.rs
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ pub fn apply_txt2_frame(layer: &mut TextLayer, tysh: &[u8], txt2: &E) {
     let m = arr_f(frame.path(&["2", "2"]));
     let matrix = if m.len() == 6 && m.iter().all(|v| v.is_finite()) { Affine { m: [m[0], m[1], m[2], m[3], m[4], m[5]] } } else { Affine::IDENTITY };
     let at = match layer.shape {
-        TextShape::Point => {
+        TextShape::Point | TextShape::Path { .. } => {
             let p = arr_f(frame.get("0"));
             if p.len() == 2 && p.iter().all(|v| v.is_finite()) { Affine::translate(p[0], p[1]) } else { Affine::IDENTITY }
         }
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ pub fn apply_txt2_frame(layer: &mut TextLayer, tysh: &[u8], txt2: &E) {
     // the frame folded into its transform and its `bounds` near the origin: applying the frame
     // again would move it twice.
     let origin = match layer.shape {
-        TextShape::Point => Point::new(0.0, 0.0),
+        TextShape::Point | TextShape::Path { .. } => Point::new(0.0, 0.0),
         TextShape::Box { .. } => {
             let b = engine_data(&t.text)
                 .map(|e| {
@@ -1183,7 +1183,8 @@ pub fn build_engine_data(layer: &TextLayer, template: Option<E>, dpi: f32) -> E
         dict.set("UseFractionalGlyphWidths", E::Bool(true));
     }
     let (shape_type, box_bounds) = match layer.shape {
-        TextShape::Point => (0, None),
+        // PSD path type is not written yet: the layer saves as point text.
+        TextShape::Point | TextShape::Path { .. } => (0, None),
         TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height } => (1, Some([x, y, x + width, y + height])),
     };
     let mut photoshop = E::Dict(vec![("ShapeType".into(), E::Int(shape_type))]);
@@ -1296,8 +1297,8 @@ pub fn build_tysh(layer: &TextLayer, dpi: f32, ink: Option<[f32; 4]>) -> Vec<u8>
             },
         ),
     );
-    let [l, t, r, b] = match (layer.shape, ink) {
-        (TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height }, _) => [x, y, x + width, y + height],
+    let [l, t, r, b] = match (&layer.shape, ink) {
+        (&TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height }, _) => [x, y, x + width, y + height],
         (_, Some(i)) => i,
         _ => [0.0; 4],
     };
diff --git a/crates/text/src/render.rs b/crates/text/src/render.rs
index b50a63fe0..af29dd10d 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/render.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/render.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ use skrifa::{GlyphId, MetadataProvider};
 
 use crate::layout::{GlyphOrient, PlacedGlyph, TextLayout};
 use crate::raster::{Bounds, Coverage, LineSink, Pen, Xform, rect_to};
-use crate::warp::Warp;
+use crate::warp::{Placement, Warp};
 
 /// Faux-italic slant in degrees (Photoshop-like).
 pub const FAUX_ITALIC_DEG: f32 = 12.0;
@@ -90,7 +90,19 @@ fn draw_pass(layout: &TextLayout, transform: &Xform, sink: &mut impl LineSink, o
             continue;
         };
         let coords: Vec<NormalizedCoord> = face.coords.iter().map(|&c| NormalizedCoord::from_bits(c)).collect();
-        let glyph = glyph_xform(layout, g, face.skew_deg);
+        let mut glyph = glyph_xform(layout, g, face.skew_deg);
+        // Type on a path moves each glyph rigidly: turned to the curve at its centre.
+        let mut bend = warp;
+        if let Some(w) = warp {
+            match w.place_glyph(glyph_center(layout, g, &font, face.size_px, &coords)) {
+                Placement::Bend => {}
+                Placement::Hidden => continue,
+                Placement::Frame(m) => {
+                    glyph = Xform(m).mul(&glyph);
+                    bend = None;
+                }
+            }
+        }
         let bold = st.faux_bold || face.embolden;
         let r = (face.size_px * FAUX_BOLD_RADIUS) as f64;
         let single = [(0.0, 0.0)];
@@ -107,7 +119,7 @@ fn draw_pass(layout: &TextLayout, transform: &Xform, sink: &mut impl LineSink, o
         for &(ox, oy) in offsets {
             let local = glyph.mul(&Xform([1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, ox * r, oy * r]));
             let settings = DrawSettings::unhinted(Size::new(face.size_px), LocationRef::new(&coords));
-            match warp {
+            match bend {
                 Some(w) => {
                     let mut ws = WarpSink { inner: &mut *sink, warp: w, post: *transform };
                     let mut pen = Pen::new(&mut ws, local);
@@ -161,6 +173,22 @@ fn glyph_xform(layout: &TextLayout, g: &PlacedGlyph, face_skew_deg: f32) -> Xfor
     }
 }
 
+/// The horizontal centre (text space) of a placed glyph: the pen position plus half its advance.
+fn glyph_center(layout: &TextLayout, g: &PlacedGlyph, font: &skrifa::FontRef, size_px: f32, coords: &[NormalizedCoord]) -> f64 {
+    let hs = layout.styles.get(g.style as usize).map_or(1.0, |st| if st.horizontal_scale > 0.0 { st.horizontal_scale } else { 1.0 });
+    let advance = match g.orient {
+        GlyphOrient::Horizontal => font.glyph_metrics(Size::new(size_px), LocationRef::new(coords)).advance_width(GlyphId::new(g.id)).unwrap_or(0.0),
+        _ => 0.0,
+    };
+    f64::from(g.x) + f64::from(advance * hs) / 2.0
+}
+
+/// The deformation of a type layer: the path it runs along, or its Warp Text settings (None
+/// when neither applies).
+pub fn layout_deform(layout: &TextLayout, layer: &photocraft_doc::TextLayer) -> Option<Warp> {
+    Warp::on_path(&layer.shape).or_else(|| layout_warp(layout, layer.warp.as_ref()))
+}
+
 /// The warp to apply to `layout` (None when `warp` is absent, `warpNone` or flat).
 pub fn layout_warp(layout: &TextLayout, warp: Option<&photocraft_doc::text::TextWarp>) -> Option<Warp> {
     Warp::new(warp?, layout.bounds()?)
@@ -347,8 +375,19 @@ pub fn outlines(layout: &TextLayout, transform: &Affine, warp: Option<&Warp>) ->
             continue;
         };
         let coords: Vec<NormalizedCoord> = face.coords.iter().map(|&c| NormalizedCoord::from_bits(c)).collect();
-        let glyph = glyph_xform(layout, g, face.skew_deg);
-        let mut rec = Recorder { glyph, post: Xform(transform.m), warp, out: Vec::new() };
+        let mut glyph = glyph_xform(layout, g, face.skew_deg);
+        let mut bend = warp;
+        if let Some(w) = warp {
+            match w.place_glyph(glyph_center(layout, g, &font, face.size_px, &coords)) {
+                Placement::Bend => {}
+                Placement::Hidden => continue,
+                Placement::Frame(m) => {
+                    glyph = Xform(m).mul(&glyph);
+                    bend = None;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        let mut rec = Recorder { glyph, post: Xform(transform.m), warp: bend, out: Vec::new() };
         let settings = DrawSettings::unhinted(Size::new(face.size_px), LocationRef::new(&coords));
         if outline.draw(settings, &mut rec).is_ok() && !rec.out.is_empty() {
             glyphs.push(rec.out);
diff --git a/crates/text/src/tests.rs b/crates/text/src/tests.rs
index 832f0f0d8..2dc890544 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/tests.rs
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ fn tabs_advance_to_the_next_default_tab_stop() {
 #[test]
 fn psd_round_trips_tabs() {
     for shape in [TextShape::Point, TextShape::Box { x: 0.0, y: 0.0, width: 300.0, height: 100.0 }] {
-        let t = TextLayer { shape, ..point("Name\tValue\n\tIndented", 20.0) };
+        let t = TextLayer { shape: shape.clone(), ..point("Name\tValue\n\tIndented", 20.0) };
         let back = crate::psd::text_layer_from_tysh(&crate::psd::build_tysh(&t, 72.0, None), 72.0).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(back.text, t.text, "{shape:?}");
     }
@@ -1892,3 +1892,65 @@ fn engine_data_antialias_numbers_match_photoshop() {
         assert_eq!(back.antialias, mode, "{n}");
     }
 }
+
+/// Type on a path (#218): along a vertical line the type runs top to bottom with its glyphs
+/// turned, along a curve it follows the curve, and glyphs beyond the end are not drawn.
+#[test]
+fn type_on_a_path_follows_the_curve() {
+    use photocraft_doc::vector::{Knot, Subpath};
+    let fmt = PixelFormat::RGBA8;
+    let mut eng = TextEngine::new();
+    let ink = |eng: &mut TextEngine, t: &TextLayer| {
+        let (_, r) = eng.render(t, 72.0, fmt);
+        r.rect
+    };
+    let straight = point("Path text", 24.0);
+    let flat = ink(&mut eng, &straight);
+    assert!(flat.width() > flat.height() * 3, "{flat:?}");
+
+    let mut down = straight.clone();
+    down.shape = TextShape::Path { path: Subpath::polyline(&[(0.0, 0.0), (0.0, 400.0)]), start: 0.0, flip: false };
+    let r = ink(&mut eng, &down);
+    assert!(r.height() > r.width() * 3, "vertical path gives tall ink: {r:?}");
+    assert!(r.height() >= flat.width() - 8, "arc length is preserved: {r:?} vs {flat:?}");
+
+    // A half circle bends the text through a larger area than the straight line.
+    let k = 0.5523 * 60.0;
+    let arc = Subpath {
+        closed: false,
+        knots: vec![
+            Knot {
+                anchor: photocraft_geom::Point::new(-60.0, 0.0),
+                in_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(-60.0, 0.0),
+                out_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(-60.0, -k),
+                smooth: true,
+            },
+            Knot {
+                anchor: photocraft_geom::Point::new(0.0, -60.0),
+                in_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(-k, -60.0),
+                out_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(k, -60.0),
+                smooth: true,
+            },
+            Knot {
+                anchor: photocraft_geom::Point::new(60.0, 0.0),
+                in_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(60.0, -k),
+                out_ctrl: photocraft_geom::Point::new(60.0, 0.0),
+                smooth: true,
+            },
+        ],
+        ..Default::default()
+    };
+    let mut curved = straight.clone();
+    curved.shape = TextShape::Path { path: arc.clone(), start: 0.0, flip: false };
+    let c = ink(&mut eng, &curved);
+    assert!(c.height() > flat.height() * 2, "curved ink is taller: {c:?} vs {flat:?}");
+
+    // A path too short for the text hides the glyphs past its end.
+    let mut short = straight.clone();
+    short.shape = TextShape::Path { path: Subpath::polyline(&[(0.0, 0.0), (30.0, 0.0)]), start: 0.0, flip: false };
+    assert!(ink(&mut eng, &short).width() < flat.width() / 2);
+    // A degenerate path falls back to straight point text instead of failing.
+    let mut dot = straight.clone();
+    dot.shape = TextShape::Path { path: Subpath::polyline(&[(5.0, 5.0), (5.0, 5.0)]), start: 0.0, flip: false };
+    assert_eq!(ink(&mut eng, &dot), flat);
+}
diff --git a/crates/text/src/warp.rs b/crates/text/src/warp.rs
index e056bdff3..f148a18e1 100644
--- a/crates/text/src/warp.rs
+++ b/crates/text/src/warp.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@
 //! formulas), the identity at `bend = 0` and continuous in `bend`. The mapping is evaluated per
 //! point; the renderer subdivides long segments so straight edges bend.
 
-use photocraft_doc::text::TextWarp;
+use photocraft_doc::text::{TextShape, TextWarp};
+use photocraft_doc::vector::Subpath;
 use photocraft_geom::warp::{StyleWarp, WarpStyle};
 
 /// Warp styles in Photoshop's menu order: (PSD `warpStyle` value, short id used by commands).
@@ -45,10 +46,29 @@ pub fn short_style(psd: &str) -> Option<&'static str> {
     STYLES.iter().find(|(p, _)| *p == psd).map(|(_, short)| *short)
 }
 
+/// Where a glyph goes when the layout is bent: see [`Warp::place_glyph`].
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq)]
+pub enum Placement {
+    /// Not path text: bend the outline point by point with [`Warp::apply`].
+    Bend,
+    /// Beyond either end of the path: the glyph is not drawn.
+    Hidden,
+    /// Path text: the glyph keeps its shape and is moved rigidly by this text-space map
+    /// (`[a, b, c, d, e, f]`, applied to text-space points).
+    Frame([f64; 6]),
+}
+
 /// A warp prepared for one layout: the shared style math of
-/// [`photocraft_geom::warp::StyleWarp`] (also used by Edit › Transform › Warp) over the text box.
-#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug)]
-pub struct Warp(StyleWarp);
+/// [`photocraft_geom::warp::StyleWarp`] (also used by Edit › Transform › Warp) over the text box,
+/// or a path the type runs along.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug)]
+pub struct Warp(Kind);
+
+#[derive(Clone, Debug)]
+enum Kind {
+    Style(Box<StyleWarp>),
+    Path(PathFrame),
+}
 
 impl Warp {
     /// Prepares `w` for text whose bounds are `[x0, y0, x1, y1]` (text space). `None` for
@@ -56,17 +76,117 @@ impl Warp {
     pub fn new(w: &TextWarp, bounds: [f32; 4]) -> Option<Warp> {
         let style = WarpStyle::parse(&w.style).filter(|s| s.is_preset() && s.psd_name() == w.style)?;
         StyleWarp::new(style, f64::from(w.value), f64::from(w.horizontal_distortion), f64::from(w.vertical_distortion), !w.horizontal, bounds.map(f64::from))
-            .map(Warp)
+            .map(|s| Warp(Kind::Style(Box::new(s))))
+    }
+
+    /// The deformation of type on a path (`None` for any other shape, or a path without length).
+    pub fn on_path(shape: &TextShape) -> Option<Warp> {
+        let TextShape::Path { path, start, flip } = shape else { return None };
+        PathFrame::new(path, *start, *flip).map(|f| Warp(Kind::Path(f)))
     }
 
     /// Longest segment (text-space px) worth sending through [`Warp::apply`] unsplit.
     pub fn max_segment(&self) -> f64 {
-        self.0.max_segment()
+        match &self.0 {
+            Kind::Style(s) => s.max_segment(),
+            Kind::Path(_) => 2.0,
+        }
     }
 
     /// Maps a text-space point.
     pub fn apply(&self, x: f64, y: f64) -> (f64, f64) {
-        self.0.apply(x, y)
+        match &self.0 {
+            Kind::Style(s) => s.apply(x, y),
+            Kind::Path(p) => p.apply(x, y),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// How to place a glyph whose horizontal centre is at text-space `cx`.
+    pub fn place_glyph(&self, cx: f64) -> Placement {
+        match &self.0 {
+            Kind::Style(_) => Placement::Bend,
+            Kind::Path(p) => p.frame(cx).map_or(Placement::Hidden, Placement::Frame),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Most cubic segments of a type path that are followed (a hostile file cannot make this large).
+const MAX_PATH_SEGMENTS: usize = 4096;
+
+/// A flattened path with arc lengths: text-space `x` is arc length from `start`, `y` the
+/// distance to the left of the direction of travel (the side the glyph tops point to).
+#[derive(Clone, Debug)]
+struct PathFrame {
+    pts: Vec<(f64, f64)>,
+    /// Arc length at each point.
+    cum: Vec<f64>,
+    start: f64,
+}
+
+impl PathFrame {
+    fn new(path: &Subpath, start: f32, flip: bool) -> Option<PathFrame> {
+        let mut pts: Vec<(f64, f64)> = Vec::new();
+        for seg in path.segments().iter().take(MAX_PATH_SEGMENTS) {
+            let p = seg.map(|q| (q.x, q.y));
+            if p.iter().any(|q| !q.0.is_finite() || !q.1.is_finite()) {
+                return None;
+            }
+            let poly = (p[1].0 - p[0].0).hypot(p[1].1 - p[0].1) + (p[2].0 - p[1].0).hypot(p[2].1 - p[1].1) + (p[3].0 - p[2].0).hypot(p[3].1 - p[2].1);
+            let n = ((poly / 2.0).ceil() as usize).clamp(4, 128);
+            if pts.is_empty() {
+                pts.push(p[0]);
+            }
+            for i in 1..=n {
+                let t = i as f64 / n as f64;
+                let u = 1.0 - t;
+                let (a, b, c, d) = (u * u * u, 3.0 * u * u * t, 3.0 * u * t * t, t * t * t);
+                pts.push((a * p[0].0 + b * p[1].0 + c * p[2].0 + d * p[3].0, a * p[0].1 + b * p[1].1 + c * p[2].1 + d * p[3].1));
+            }
+        }
+        // Drop repeated points so every piece has a direction.
+        pts.dedup_by(|b, a| (b.0 - a.0).abs() < 1e-9 && (b.1 - a.1).abs() < 1e-9);
+        if flip {
+            pts.reverse();
+        }
+        let mut cum = Vec::with_capacity(pts.len());
+        let mut acc = 0.0;
+        for (i, p) in pts.iter().enumerate() {
+            if let Some(q) = i.checked_sub(1).and_then(|j| pts.get(j)) {
+                acc += (p.0 - q.0).hypot(p.1 - q.1);
+            }
+            cum.push(acc);
+        }
+        (pts.len() >= 2 && acc.is_finite() && acc > 1e-6 && start.is_finite()).then(|| PathFrame { pts, cum, start: f64::from(start) })
+    }
+
+    fn length(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.cum.last().copied().unwrap_or(0.0)
+    }
+
+    /// Point and unit tangent at arc length `s`; past either end the end tangent continues straight.
+    fn at(&self, s: f64) -> ((f64, f64), (f64, f64)) {
+        let last = self.pts.len() - 1;
+        let i = self.cum.partition_point(|&c| c < s).clamp(1, last);
+        let (a, b) = (self.pts[i - 1], self.pts[i]);
+        let len = (b.0 - a.0).hypot(b.1 - a.1).max(1e-12);
+        let t = ((b.0 - a.0) / len, (b.1 - a.1) / len);
+        let along = s - self.cum[i - 1];
+        ((a.0 + t.0 * along, a.1 + t.1 * along), t)
+    }
+
+    fn apply(&self, x: f64, y: f64) -> (f64, f64) {
+        let (p, t) = self.at(self.start + x);
+        (p.0 - t.1 * y, p.1 + t.0 * y)
+    }
+
+    /// The rigid map for a glyph centred at text-space `cx`; `None` outside the path.
+    fn frame(&self, cx: f64) -> Option<[f64; 6]> {
+        let s = self.start + cx;
+        if !(0.0..=self.length()).contains(&s) {
+            return None;
+        }
+        let (p, t) = self.at(s);
+        Some([t.0, t.1, -t.1, t.0, p.0 - t.0 * cx, p.1 - t.1 * cx])
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/type_tool.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/type_tool.rs
index 6a7c81608..3238674ad 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/type_tool.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/type_tool.rs
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ fn handle_sides(i: u8) -> (bool, bool, bool, bool) {
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn box_shape(app: &PhotocraftApp, id: LayerId) -> Option<(f32, f32, f32, f32)> {
-    match app.session.active().and_then(|s| text_layer(&s.doc, id).map(|t| t.shape))? {
+    match app.session.active().and_then(|s| text_layer(&s.doc, id).map(|t| t.shape.clone()))? {
         photocraft_doc::text::TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height } => Some((x, y, width, height)),
         _ => None,
     }
@@ -1013,7 +1013,7 @@ pub fn draw_overlay(app: &mut PhotocraftApp, painter: &egui::Painter, xf: &ViewX
     if crate::type_transform::draw(app, painter, xf, mods) {
         return;
     }
-    let shape = app.session.active().and_then(|s| text_layer(&s.doc, id).map(|t| t.shape));
+    let shape = app.session.active().and_then(|s| text_layer(&s.doc, id).map(|t| t.shape.clone()));
     let frame = Stroke::new(1.0, t.accent);
     match shape {
         Some(photocraft_doc::text::TextShape::Box { x, y, width, height }) => {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/type_transform.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/type_transform.rs
index d99334cba..784162b25 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/type_transform.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/type_transform.rs
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ pub(crate) fn frame(app: &mut PhotocraftApp) -> Option<TransformSession> {
         return None;
     }
     let LayerContent::Text(text) = &layer.content else { return None };
-    let shape = text.shape;
+    let shape = text.shape.clone();
     let size = text.size_pt;
     let (layout, aff, _) = crate::type_tool::layout(app, id)?;
     if !aff.m.iter().all(|v| v.is_finite()) || aff.inverse().is_none() {
diff --git a/docs/scorecard.md b/docs/scorecard.md
index 80c047bb4..6741f981e 100644
--- a/docs/scorecard.md
+++ b/docs/scorecard.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Generated by `cargo xtask scorecard` from `perf/budgets.toml`, `perf/baseline.js
 | [File compatibility](#file-compatibility) | 6 | 13 | 8 | io corpus: oracle ≥ 146/170, round trip ≥ 169/170; psd-tools corpus: oracle ≥ 236/309, round trip ≥ 308/309; photoshop oracles: oracle ≥ 133/256, round trip ≥ 258/256 |
 | [Tools](#tools) | 28 | 14 | 1 |  |
 | [Workspace and UI](#workspace-and-ui) | 13 | 6 | 4 | settings that do nothing: 26 of 156 (target 0) |
-| [Type](#type) | 4 | 2 | 3 |  |
+| [Type](#type) | 4 | 3 | 2 |  |
 | [Automation](#automation) | 5 | 2 | 4 | 631 of 631 menu items live (100.0%) |
 | [Reliability](#reliability) | 5 | 2 | 0 | never-crash lints on 28 of 28 crates; panic_hunt present |
 | [Distribution](#distribution) | 5 | 4 | 2 |  |
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ Unread: `general.color_picker`, `general.animated_zoom`, `general.zoom_resizes_w
 
 | Id | Target | Status | Issue | Note |
 |---|---|---|---|---|
-| TYPE-218-1 | Type on a path: path shape, glyphs along the curve, caret follows, PSD round trip | missing | [#218](https://github.com/storytold/photocraft/issues/218) | doc text.rs:209 TextShape has Point and Box only |
+| TYPE-218-1 | Type on a path: path shape, glyphs along the curve, caret follows, PSD round trip | partial | [#218](https://github.com/storytold/photocraft/issues/218) | TextShape::Path (doc text.rs) with glyphs placed rigidly along the curve by arc length (text warp.rs PathFrame), type.attachToPath and type.detachFromPath (#4365), .pcraft round trip. Missing: clicking a path with the Type tool, the caret and selection following the curve, and PSD path text (it saves as point text) |
 | TYPE-218-2 | Paragraph direction (Auto/LTR/RTL) in the panel and options bar; visual RTL caret | missing | [#218](https://github.com/storytold/photocraft/issues/218) | Engine has TextDirection (text.rs:155); no UI |
 | TYPE-218-3 | Thai/Khmer/Indic fallback fonts; golden shaping tests for complex scripts and RTL | partial | [#218](https://github.com/storytold/photocraft/issues/218) | Fallback fonts are covered for Thai, Khmer, Lao, Myanmar (THAI_FAMILIES, KHMER_FAMILIES, LAO_FAMILIES, MYANMAR_FAMILIES in fonts.rs; #1909, #3259), the nine Indic scripts (INDIC_FAMILIES: Nirmala UI, Kohinoor and Sangam MN, Noto Sans) and Arabic and Hebrew. Still missing: per-script golden shaping tests against reference output (only smoke tests that an installed font shapes without .notdef, plus a bidi test) |
 | TYPE-218-4 | Variable font axis sliders from the font's axes; opsz follows the point size | done | [#218](https://github.com/storytold/photocraft/issues/218) | One slider per axis of the style's font in the Character section (Properties and Window > Character), setting type.setStyle variations; opsz follows the type size unless set (layout.rs variation_list); a style or weight resets the wght axis (#2985). PSD does not round-trip axis values yet |
diff --git a/scorecard/type.toml b/scorecard/type.toml
index 078c956a3..ee8a876a4 100644
--- a/scorecard/type.toml
+++ b/scorecard/type.toml
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ order = 5
 [[item]]
 id = "TYPE-218-1"
 target = "Type on a path: path shape, glyphs along the curve, caret follows, PSD round trip"
-status = "missing"
+status = "partial"
 issue = 218
-note = "doc text.rs:209 TextShape has Point and Box only"
+note = "TextShape::Path (doc text.rs) with glyphs placed rigidly along the curve by arc length (text warp.rs PathFrame), type.attachToPath and type.detachFromPath (#4365), .pcraft round trip. Missing: clicking a path with the Type tool, the caret and selection following the curve, and PSD path text (it saves as point text)"
 
 [[item]]
 id = "TYPE-218-2"