Raise or lower the first baseline in a text area

When working with an area type object, you can control the alignment of the first line of text with the top of the object. This alignment is referred to as the first baseline offset. For example, you can make text stick up above the top of the object or fall a specific distance below the top of the object.

Type with First Baseline set to Cap Height (left) compared to type with First Baseline set to Leading (right)

Select an area type object.
Choose Type > Area Type Options.
For First Baseline, choose one of the following options:
Ascent

The height of the “d” character falls below the top of the type object.
Cap Height

The tops of uppercase letters touch the top of the type object.
Leading

Uses the text’s leading value as the distance between the baseline of the first line of text and the top of the type object.
x Height

The height of the “x” character falls below the top of the type object.
Em Box Height

The top of the em box in Asian fonts touches the top of the type object. This option is available regardless of the Show Asian Options preference.
Fixed

Specifies the distance between the baseline of the first line of text and the top of the type object in the Min box.
Legacy

Uses the first baseline default used in Adobe Illustrator 10 or earlier.
For Min, specify the value for the baseline offset.