Hi everyone. I have a PDF template I need to work with in Inkscape.

It is unlikely that I will 100% complete what I need to do all in one sitting so obviously I'll need to save. And that's what my question is about.

I'll be adding lots of text to the PDF template -- and I know when I save-as (so I don't overwrite the template) I'll need to choose whether to embed fonts or convert text to path.

After I choose one of the options (I assume text to path so I can edit the text again later, more on that below) I'll save-as and exit Inkscape.

Eventually I'll have another session with Inkscape -- it's entirely possibly that I may need to edit the text I've already converted to path.

So, I'm finally read to get to my point.

(1) If indeed converting text to path is the way to go when save-as my document, how do I undo that when I open up the document again and need to edit the text?

(2) Since I can't get everything done I need to do with the PDF template all in one session, will I experience any kind of image/data "quality loss" with continually working with and saving PDF file? (Sorta like with JPGs?)

Thank you!

Saving-as vs. saving a Copy:

Saving-as pdf and further editing the pdf in Inkscape will lose all Inkscape svg editing and composition usefulness.

Saving a Copy as pdf, then returning to the original Inkscape svg will provide the Inkscape editing features for text, guides, layers and more.

PDF is a distribution file format, not designed for master document editing. Whether it's desktop publishing, documents, CAD, or Inkscape vector illustration, saving a master document in the native file format (e.g. svg, .doc, etc), then saving a copy as pdf is the preferred workflow.

I don't know what it is but I just cannot wrap my mind around save-as verses saving a copy no matter how many times it is explained to me, or I read about it in the Inkscape manual. I'm so sorry. My lack of being able to understand this crucial (and seemingly simple) concept is frustrating and sad for me. (And perhaps for those, like you, who are generous with their time and knowledge base and try to help me)

And yes, prior to your reply, I (now, wrongly) assumed I would use the PDF for what you are calling "master document editing."

Thanks to the information you shared, it sounds like what I need to do is open up the PDF template and then immediately save it as an Inkscape SVG? (save as, save a copy? argh.)

Then I can just keep using the Inkscape SVG file for my current and future work sessions and edits, and then export the PDF when I'm all done? (export, save as? argh.)

Yes. I'd save the document (or recreate it) as an Inkscape SVG and only edit the SVG document.

Export or save a copy as PDF to send/publish/distribute. If the pdf file needs updating, make the revisions in the Inkscape SVG and output to pdf again.

[File > Save] overwrites an existing file on your disk with the current drawing.

[File > Save As...] creates a new file on your disk and sets the file name, path, and file format for the current drawing.

[File > Save a Copy...] saves a snapshot with a new name/path/format without changing those settings for the current drawing.