Inkscape

Can`t edit text

Asked by rita_v

Hello!
The issue is that I can`t edit text of .svg file that was created and sent by another person. I need to update the text, but "creat and edit an existing text" just doesn`t work. The cursor is blinking above the text I need to change, that is, the text isn`t recognised. Also -when I select the text I need (I can select a text or each letter) and go to "text"-> "text and font", it doesn`t recognise any text. What is the reason for that?

P.S. I`m new in Inkscape.

Thanks!

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Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#1

Hi Rita,

probably the text you are trying to edit is no longer a text - or it is inside a group.

To know which of these is the problem, click on the text to select it.
What does it say at the bottom in the status line?

If it says 'Text...' then it is a text and should be editable.

It probably says 'Group of ...'.
Ungroup it to see its elements (Shift+Ctrl+G, or right-click -> Ungroup)

If you now see each letter in a single dashed box, then the text has been made into a group of path objects by the original author of the SVG. This can be necessary to allow text to look the same on every computer, even if the font the text uses is not installed.
You will not be able to edit this text. Make a new one instead ;)

If the text is still in a single dashed box, look at the status line again.
Is it a group? -> Ungroup, Is it a text? Be happy you can edit it.

There is also a set of tutorials inside Inkscape, which might help you to find your way around in the program. See Help -> Tutorials.

Regards,
 Maren

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Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#2

Oh, there are to more possible causes:

The text could be 'locked' or it could be on a locked layer.

Select Object -> Unlock all in the menu to remedy the first,

and go to Ctrl+Shift+L (or the button with the layers at the top, right from the middle), and open all those tiny locks on every single layer by clicking on them (if they are locked, of course).

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Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#3

to -> two

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