How to Offset Text in Adobe Illustrator

Offset / Outlining / standoff are all different words that I have heard for adding a text offset.

First, if you have a script font make sure that you have Joined / weld / unite the text. You can find a tutorial here: How to Unite Text.

Using your selection tool, right-click to highlight your text and then left-click on “create outline”. Highlight the text and go to Object > Path > Offset Path or Effect > Path > Offset Path. 

Tip: You can also add a (-) negative number on the offset path. This is great if you are scoring your words on a backer to line them up.