I’m new to Inkscape and trying to convert text to a path for a logo, but the font gets distorted after conversion. Hoping for some help to fix this!

Details:

• OS: Windows 64-bit, version 11.4.1 Home.
• Inkscape Version: 1.4.1, installed via .msi from inkscape.org (downloaded June 2025). Fresh install, not an upgrade.
• File Source: Created a new file in Inkscape, no imports or downloads.
• Hardware: Standard laptop (Dell XPS 13), no tablet/stylus, single monitor, no external drives.
• Assistive Programs: None, using default English keyboard, no macros.

Steps Taken:

1. Opened Inkscape, created a new document (default A4 template).
2. Selected Text Tool (F8), typed “Hello” using Arial font, size 72.
3. Went to Path > Object to Path (Shift+Ctrl+C).
4. Expected: Text turns into editable paths, keeping Arial’s shape.
5. Actual Result: Text converts, but letters look stretched (e.g., “H” is wider, curves jagged).

What I Tried:

• Checked tutorials in Help > Tutorials (Basic and Shapes).
• Searched forum and web for “text to path”; found a 2022 thread about font rendering but no clear fix.
• Tried different fonts (Times New Roman, Calibri)—same distortion.
• Restarted Inkscape, created a new file—still happens.
• Ensured text wasn’t grouped or transformed before.

Question:
Why does my text distort when converting to a path? Is it a font setting, bug in 1.4.1, or something I’m missing? Any steps to debug or avoid this? Thanks for any advice!

Not reproduced here. Win 10, Inkscape 1.4.2

Before proceeding further, I'd reset the preferences. https://inkscape.org/forums/questions/getting-back-to-square-one-and-starting-over-its-easy/

Thanks for the help! That fixed my text-to-path issue. 😊 🤗