Inkscape

I can't add nodes to a text box (to make it curve). Please help.

Asked by Kindra

When I select "edit nodes" and then click on the text, a dotted line appears around the text with a small white box in the middle...and I can't do anything. Nothing gets selected, nothing moves, nothing gets added. When I click "add nodes" nothing happens. I'm on a mac - I don't know if that makes a difference. Please help I am so frustrated.

Also, I don't seem to be able to do the keyboard shortcuts - When I click Alt+> to move text apart, as it explains in the tutorial, nothing happens.

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Invalid
For:
Inkscape Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Solved by:
sdcefr
Solved:
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#1

Hi Kindra,

this is because texts are a whole different kind of object than paths. Paths can be edited with the node tool, texts can be edited by typing new text.

If you want to convert a text into a path, you loose the ability to add / remove letters by typing into it, but you gain the ability to change the shape of individual letters.

If that is what you want, then select the text and do 'Path -> Object to Path'. If you want to keep a backup, in case you change your mind about the contents of the text, make a duplicate before you convert the text into a path.

This same advice also holds for rectangles, circles, spirals, stars, polygons, and other non-path objects.

Kind Regards,
 Maren

Revision history for this message
Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#2

And if you want to change the kerning in the text (which only works on normal text which is created by clicking, not on flowed text that you created by dragging a box), then click in between the letters and use Alt + arrow keys to move up, down, right and left the following letters.

Revision history for this message
Hachmann (marenhachmann) said : 		#4

Sorry, Kindra, the spammers do strange things here. Your question is *not* invalid.