Full disclosure:I have used C***lD**w for years and years, but with a move to Windows 10 am looking at alternatives.
I had a question about guidelines here several days ago and just realized that I may have made an unwarranted assumption:
I assumed that it would be possible to type text into an Inkscape document, select it, break it apart, and convert it to "curves'...so that each letter could be skewed or stretched or whatever just as any other vector based object.
But, clueless as I am, I can't find a way to do that. I can't even find a way to break apart a line of text and select each individual letter so that one or more can be moved or kerning adjusted, or...uch less converted to a filled vector oject.
Am I missing something? Or, with all due respect, is that functionality not considered important?
I assumed that it would be possible to type text into an Inkscape document, select it, break it apart, and convert it to "curves'...so that each letter could be skewed or stretched or whatever just as any other vector based object.
Except for the order, you have it right. The correct order is: type text, convert to path, break apart
If it's already converted to paths (curves), it depends on how you converted it as to what state it might now be in. It could be in a group. In that case, you'll need to ungroup (Object menu, button on command bar, or key shortcut). Or it could be in a compound path (more than one path combined). In that case, you need to use Path menu > Break Apart. Use the status bar to figure out if it's a group or text or paths.
Path menu > Object to Path, converts the text to path, but puts the paths all in a group.
Path menu > Union, converts the text to path, but the individual character/paths are all combined into a compound path.
I recently heard of a 3rd way to convert text to path, but it does not come to mind at the moment. Maybe someone else knows?
To expand on @TylerDurden's first point: if you want to stretch or skew a whole block of text, you can just use the selection tool. Click to select the text object, and use the handles there to stretch, or click a second time to switch to the handles for skewing and rotating.
You can adjust the position and spacing within text (e.g. for kerning) without converting to paths. With the text tool, put the cursor between the characters you want to kern and use the controls in the toolbar. For a more interactive approach, hold Alt then use the cursor keys to kern/shift and the '[' and ']' keys to rotate. You can't skew individual letters like this, though you can select parts of your text to give a different style if you just want to switch to an italic font for some words.
As a general rule most experienced users try to avoid converting text to paths unless there's no alternative, as it stops it being editable as text (and it's less searchable, if that matters to you). If you do have to take that step to achieve a particular effect, it's usually best to duplicate the text and hide the original off the page or in another layer, so that you don't have to start completely from scratch if you do need to make an edit.
After converting to paths, the text becomes a group of paths, one for each letter. Remember to ungroup or to double-click on the group to be able to select single paths.
How do you convert text to a path. I typed "now is the time" and selected it. Then I clicked on "text" on the menu bar and selected "put on path." Seems like a reasonable sequence but nothing happens.
What I am wondering about is how to "convert" a line of text "to curves". Which is the Corel way of saying "text to path" as in Tyler's first example above. The animation helped alot. I think I've got it. Thanks, Tyler.
(How do you do an animation, BTW? Thinking I could use it to better illustrate my questions...esp. the bit about zero origin guidelines.😎)
I use Sharex screen capture (win only). I insert the gif files using the forum "wrap code" feature.
It could be *very* helpful to see example procedures in Corel along with "how do something similar in Inkscape".
For all non-Corel users... in Corel-speak, paths are "curves":
"A curve is an object that follows a specific path which gives it its defining shape. A curve can be a straight line, an open curved line, or a closed, multi-segment path. Every curve has nodes, which can be displayed and manipulated with the Shape tool." https://learn.corel.com/tutorials/how-to-design-curves/
Lots to take in there. Seems like a full blown screen capture app with sequencecapturing added. Almost as complicated as a vector drawing program. 😈 Not sure I'm ready for that on top of learning Inkscape.
Joking aside, some tools are worth learning to help learn other tools. AutoDesk even provides free screen recording software and hosting so users can share methods and workflows with each other. Unfortunately, their recorder interferes with most of Inkscape's operations (sharex can too, with drag&drop ops).
Unfortunately, their recorder interferes with most of Inkscape's operations (sharex can too, with drag&drop ops). [/quote]
Well, what formats are supported in this forum? And what kind of hoops do you need to jump through to post here? I see a number of programs that will do screen recording that are smaller and have a seemingly simpler interface than Sharex. So...I thinking about it anyway.
For all non-Corel users... in Corel-speak, paths are "curves":
Paths called "curves" is fine with me. I get that. But he specifically said "convert text to path". Putting text on a path is very different from converting it to a path. To see the difference, try what I suggested, then switch to the Node tool, to see what happened.
PS
I would love to make animations like TD does, but I can't make heads or tails of Sharex. It does not give any clue as to how to use it. Not that I could find.
If you're going to use Inkscape, stop using Corel language and learn Inkscape's language.
Guess I'll have to stop calling my refridgerator an 'icebox', too...or stop using it, I suppose. 😈
I DL'd TinyTake...which is an open source screen recorder...one of several for Win 10 that I found. I suspect it is nowhere near as powerful as ShareX but one of the 'pros' (vs cons) is that it has a simpler interface. I haven't gotten a handle on it yet but I got it for the express reason of sharing animations with this forum. Beyond that, I am the Webmaster and Admin on a small forum, as well, and I thought I might be able to use it there.)
ShareX can capture as GIF, so usually I capture as gif and embed a dropbox hosted file. I may start using video, since this forum has a YT widget, but there are tradeoffs... YT has ads, but allows speeds and scrolling, pausing.
Regarding the use of the word "Curve". Curve is NOT just a Corel term. Curve is a Euclidean Geometry term and so is simply an English language word. ie: "In mathematics, a curve... is an object similar to a line which does not have to be straight" -wiki... (but can be straight)
Is there a way to convert text that is ON a path to paths. The reason I ask is this. I want to make text follow a particular path which works - but not for my cutting program. My cutting program (Silhouette, if anyone knows it) can import SVG but doesn't recognise text on path. So what I need is the text, as curves in the same location and orientation as if it was text on a curve. If that makes sense.
Also, is there ay way to edit a comment whne it's submitted for moderation? I missed a question mark out of my last post and can't seem to find a way to change that.
Well - once the text is converted it´s no longer editable text of course. I´d always keep a copy/double of that made invisible. But Text-on-Path can be converted with Object to Path which will be a group then in Inkscape - if you need a combined path you can do this with Path->Combine.
Lots to take in there. Seems like a full blown screen capture app with sequencecapturing added. Almost as complicated as a vector drawing program. Not sure I'm ready for that on top of learning Inkscape.
In version 1.2 I found out that converting text to shapes/paths/curves is not as difficult as I (too) believed. In CD you had to save as SVG and check the convert text to curves So, I tried with a textdesign and succeeded*:
select the text(s)
>Path>Line to Path
>File>Export
mark the filename as 'copy'
choose Plain SVG as your export format
Export
I checked on Windows 10 where the typeface was not installed:
It showed in Explorer , it showed in Edge
in CD 2019 the (colored) lettering was accompanied by some weird black shadows (bar visibility to block each), fillings, bars but it was fully there. Each glyph showed as a curve with the Inkscape pathnnnn for naming.
So, not that many more clicks than you were used to. You might want to try to export it at once, but this way you will have the original text with glyphs that are easy to edit/move.
* using a Dutch UI, I hope to have used the correct English equivalent
Beginners' Questions Text as a vector drawing?
Inkscape.org
Full disclosure:I have used C***lD**w for years and years, but with a move to Windows 10 am looking at alternatives.
I had a question about guidelines here several days ago and just realized that I may have made an unwarranted assumption:
I assumed that it would be possible to type text into an Inkscape document, select it, break it apart, and convert it to "curves'...so that each letter could be skewed or stretched or whatever just as any other vector based object.
But, clueless as I am, I can't find a way to do that. I can't even find a way to break apart a line of text and select each individual letter so that one or more can be moved or kerning adjusted, or...uch less converted to a filled vector oject.
Am I missing something? Or, with all due respect, is that functionality not considered important?
Text can be converted to paths (curves), but that isn't always needed for simple transforms.
The easy way to break text objects into individual letter objects is to use Extensions>Text>Split text. User can choose Lines, Words or Letters.
Have a nice day.
Except for the order, you have it right. The correct order is: type text, convert to path, break apart
If it's already converted to paths (curves), it depends on how you converted it as to what state it might now be in. It could be in a group. In that case, you'll need to ungroup (Object menu, button on command bar, or key shortcut). Or it could be in a compound path (more than one path combined). In that case, you need to use Path menu > Break Apart. Use the status bar to figure out if it's a group or text or paths.
Path menu > Object to Path, converts the text to path, but puts the paths all in a group.
Path menu > Union, converts the text to path, but the individual character/paths are all combined into a compound path.
I recently heard of a 3rd way to convert text to path, but it does not come to mind at the moment. Maybe someone else knows?
To expand on @TylerDurden's first point: if you want to stretch or skew a whole block of text, you can just use the selection tool. Click to select the text object, and use the handles there to stretch, or click a second time to switch to the handles for skewing and rotating.
You can adjust the position and spacing within text (e.g. for kerning) without converting to paths. With the text tool, put the cursor between the characters you want to kern and use the controls in the toolbar. For a more interactive approach, hold Alt then use the cursor keys to kern/shift and the '[' and ']' keys to rotate. You can't skew individual letters like this, though you can select parts of your text to give a different style if you just want to switch to an italic font for some words.
As a general rule most experienced users try to avoid converting text to paths unless there's no alternative, as it stops it being editable as text (and it's less searchable, if that matters to you). If you do have to take that step to achieve a particular effect, it's usually best to duplicate the text and hide the original off the page or in another layer, so that you don't have to start completely from scratch if you do need to make an edit.
After converting to paths, the text becomes a group of paths, one for each letter. Remember to ungroup or to double-click on the group to be able to select single paths.
OK...I am stymied.
How do you convert text to a path. I typed "now is the time" and selected it. Then I clicked on "text" on the menu bar and selected "put on path." Seems like a reasonable sequence but nothing happens.
What am I doing wrong?
Text objects can be converted path objects. Text can also be placed along a path and remain text.
Are you talking putting text on a path? I've been talking about converting text to paths. Totally different things!!
Not sure why my message overlapped TD's animation.
Are you talking putting text on a path? I've been talking about converting text to paths. Totally different things!!
What I am wondering about is how to "convert" a line of text "to curves". Which is the Corel way of saying "text to path" as in Tyler's first example above. The animation helped alot. I think I've got it. Thanks, Tyler.
(How do you do an animation, BTW? Thinking I could use it to better illustrate my questions...esp. the bit about zero origin guidelines.😎)
I use Sharex screen capture (win only). I insert the gif files using the forum "wrap code" feature.
It could be *very* helpful to see example procedures in Corel along with "how do something similar in Inkscape".
For all non-Corel users... in Corel-speak, paths are "curves":
"A curve is an object that follows a specific path which gives it its defining shape. A curve can be a straight line, an open curved line, or a closed, multi-segment path. Every curve has nodes, which can be displayed and manipulated with the Shape tool." https://learn.corel.com/tutorials/how-to-design-curves/
Have a nice day.
TD
Lots to take in there. Seems like a full blown screen capture app with sequencecapturing added. Almost as complicated as a vector drawing program. 😈 Not sure I'm ready for that on top of learning Inkscape.
How do you eat a digital elephant?...
One byte at a time.
Joking aside, some tools are worth learning to help learn other tools. AutoDesk even provides free screen recording software and hosting so users can share methods and workflows with each other. Unfortunately, their recorder interferes with most of Inkscape's operations (sharex can too, with drag&drop ops).
Have a nice day.
TD
Well, what formats are supported in this forum? And what kind of hoops do you need to jump through to post here? I see a number of programs that will do screen recording that are smaller and have a seemingly simpler interface than Sharex. So...I thinking about it anyway.
You can directly attach PNG, GIF, JPG, SVG... they will display.
PDF and ZIP files can be attached, but no preview icons (so it's better to toggle the button to "file" mode).
If you're going to use Inkscape, stop using Corel language and learn Inkscape's language.
Paths called "curves" is fine with me. I get that. But he specifically said "convert text to path". Putting text on a path is very different from converting it to a path. To see the difference, try what I suggested, then switch to the Node tool, to see what happened.
PS
I would love to make animations like TD does, but I can't make heads or tails of Sharex. It does not give any clue as to how to use it. Not that I could find.
Guess I'll have to stop calling my refridgerator an 'icebox', too...or stop using it, I suppose. 😈
I DL'd TinyTake...which is an open source screen recorder...one of several for Win 10 that I found. I suspect it is nowhere near as powerful as ShareX but one of the 'pros' (vs cons) is that it has a simpler interface. I haven't gotten a handle on it yet but I got it for the express reason of sharing animations with this forum. Beyond that, I am the Webmaster and Admin on a small forum, as well, and I thought I might be able to use it there.)
But you're capturing video...AFAIK, those you mention are not video formats. How about mp4? Or mov? or Avi?
And there's not really a button in the posting window to insert videos...so what's the code?
As far as I know, links to youtube and vimeo work. Everyone gets about 20 Mb space on here, use it wisely.
ShareX can capture as GIF, so usually I capture as gif and embed a dropbox hosted file. I may start using video, since this forum has a YT widget, but there are tradeoffs... YT has ads, but allows speeds and scrolling, pausing.
Have a nice day.
TD
Regarding the use of the word "Curve". Curve is NOT just a Corel term. Curve is a Euclidean Geometry term and so is simply an English language word.
ie: "In mathematics, a curve... is an object similar to a line which does not have to be straight" -wiki... (but can be straight)
Is there a way to convert text that is ON a path to paths.
The reason I ask is this. I want to make text follow a particular path which works - but not for my cutting program. My cutting program (Silhouette, if anyone knows it) can import SVG but doesn't recognise text on path. So what I need is the text, as curves in the same location and orientation as if it was text on a curve. If that makes sense.
Also, is there ay way to edit a comment whne it's submitted for moderation? I missed a question mark out of my last post and can't seem to find a way to change that.
Well - once the text is converted it´s no longer editable text of course. I´d always keep a copy/double of that made invisible. But Text-on-Path can be converted with Object to Path which will be a group then in Inkscape - if you need a combined path you can do this with Path->Combine.
In version 1.2 I found out that converting text to shapes/paths/curves is not as difficult as I (too) believed.
In CD you had to save as SVG and check the convert text to curves
So, I tried with a textdesign and succeeded*:
I checked on Windows 10 where the typeface was not installed:
So, not that many more clicks than you were used to.
You might want to try to export it at once, but this way you will have the original text with glyphs that are easy to edit/move.
* using a Dutch UI, I hope to have used the correct English equivalent