How to Convert Text to SVG Paths
Convert text to outlines so it displays and cuts correctly everywhere — no font dependencies, no missing font errors.
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Supports PNG, JPG, BMP, WEBP up to 5MB
Why Convert Text to Paths?
SVG text references fonts that must be installed on the viewer's system or loaded via @font-face. When fonts aren't available, the browser substitutes a different font, breaking layouts. Converting text to paths embeds the letter shapes directly in the SVG — no font required.
- Cricut Design Space: text must be outlined before cutting
- Print shops: require outlined text in submitted files
- Web: text-as-path is heavier than webfonts — use webfonts for large text blocks
- Logos and wordmarks: always outline for cross-platform consistency
Adobe Illustrator: Create Outlines
Select the text. Type > Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl+O). The text becomes vector paths.
- Select text with Selection tool (V)
- Type > Create Outlines (Ctrl+Shift+O on Mac, Shift+Ctrl+O on Windows)
- Alternatively: right-click the text → Create Outlines
- The text is now a group of paths — ungroup (Ctrl+Shift+G) to access individually
- Important: save the original with live text as a backup before outlining
Inkscape: Object to Path
Select the text. Path > Object to Path (Shift+Ctrl+C). Text becomes editable vector paths.
- Select text with Select tool (F1)
- Path > Object to Path (Shift+Ctrl+C)
- Each letter becomes a separate path
- Combine all letters: Path > Combine if needed for cutting
- Check for overlapping paths in letters with counters (A, B, D, O) — use Boolean operations to ensure correct fills
Figma: Outline Stroke on Export
In Figma's SVG export settings, check 'Outline text'. Figma converts all text to vector paths during export automatically.
- Select your frame or component
- Export panel → SVG → check 'Outline text'
- Figma converts text to paths in the exported file
- The Figma canvas still shows editable text — only the export is outlined
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert text to SVG path online without software?
Yes. Boxy SVG (boxy-svg.com) lets you add text and convert to paths in the browser. Or use our converter: create text as an image (screenshot), then vectorize.
Does converting text to paths affect file size?
Yes — text paths are larger than a text reference plus a webfont. For logos (few words): acceptable. For body text (paragraphs): don't outline — use webfonts instead.
Can I edit outlined text after converting?
No longer as text. You can edit individual anchor points (modify letter shapes), but you can't change the wording, font size, or kerning. Always keep a backup with live text.
Why do my letters have holes after outlining in Inkscape?
Letters like A, B, D, O have 'counters' (interior spaces). Inkscape uses Even-Odd fill rule by default, which cuts holes correctly. If holes appear solid, change Path > Fill and Stroke > Fill to Even-Odd.
How do I convert Google Fonts to SVG paths?
Add the text to your design using the Google Font (loaded via @font-face or embed). Then outline the text in Illustrator or Inkscape. The font shapes are converted to paths independent of the font file.
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