Wikipedia:Graphics Lab/Resources/Modifying text

The purpose of this tutorial is to show how to modify text in vector graphics that contain text elements (such as a map or diagram) without having to recreate the graphic all over. Whether it is translation, fixing typos, or just for fun, this tutorial will show you the concepts to change the text in an SVG. All SVGs should contain websafe fonts because it allows easy modifications to the text elements. SVGs that don't contain websafe fonts are disregarded because they are converted to path, which is required in order for Wikimedia to render it. This creates a size boost to the file, and it makes it hard for graphists to modify because they have to create new text elements.

To follow this tutorial, you will need to download Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org) (version 0.46 or later - older versions may not include all the necessary functions), a free and open source vector graphics editor application. It can run on Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows operating systems.

In this tutorial, we will correct typos in a diagram without having to recreate the entire SVG.

Vector graphics (SVGs)
Modifying text in SVGs is much easier than modifying text in bitmaps (.jpg, .png, etc.).

Step 1: Open an image with Inkscape.

Run Inkscape on your system and open the file you want to modify by selecting File > Open. Browse and select the graphic.

Step 2: Unlock layers and ungroup objects.

Unlock the layers if they are locked by the small padlock in the bottom left (it is preferable to unlock the layers containing the words to translate it, which is usually layers entitled "Names" or "cities names ", etc..). If you are a beginner who doesn't know much about layers, you can simply select Object > Unlock all which will enable editing for all layers in the file. Ungrouping objects might also be required to edit components. Only certain groups need to be ungrouped, but if you are a beginner who isn't experienced about them, you can ungroup everything by selecting Edit > select all, then Objects > Ungroup.

Step 3: Modify the text.

Select the text to be modified by double clicking on it. The text is now editable and you can start typing or erasing. There are more options (changing the font, size, etc.) in the text tool box, which can be opened by selecting Text > Text and Font. You can also select the Text tab in the tool box to modify the text using an interface.

End

When everything is translated, modified, or tweaked, save the file (File > Save As) and import your image on Commons. Specify the source (original SVG) when uploading under a different name. If the original is PD, then you don't have to worry about it!