Guides

How to convert SVG text to outlines

Published 2026-10-31 · Bakkumteo

Key points

  • Text in an SVG can change on other computers
  • Turning text into shapes (outlines) keeps it safe
  • Keep an editable original

Text in an SVG is usually stored as "write this sentence here in this font". On a computer without that font it shows up in a different typeface, and when converting to EPS or PDF it can be dropped entirely. To avoid this, turn text into outlines: shapes that match the letters exactly.

Outlined text can no longer be edited as text. Keep your original file and work on a copy for export.

Adobe Illustrator

  1. Select the text objects with the Selection tool. To convert everything, press Ctrl + A (Cmd + A on Mac).
  2. Choose Type → Create Outlines, or press Shift + Ctrl + O (Shift + Cmd + O on Mac).
  3. Save via File → Export → Export As and choose SVG.

Figma

Figma can outline text while exporting SVG.

  1. Select the frame and, under Export at the bottom of the right panel, choose SVG.
  2. Open the settings (…) next to it and make sure Outline text is on.
  3. Press Export.

To turn only certain text into shapes, select that text layer and use Flatten (Ctrl + E, Cmd + E on Mac).

Inkscape

  1. Select the text object.
  2. Choose Path → Object to Path, or press Shift + Ctrl + C.
  3. Save via File → Save As as "Plain SVG" for the best compatibility with other apps.

Checking the result

Open the saved SVG in a text editor and search for <text. If nothing is found, all text has become shapes. Or drop it into SVG to EPS: if any text remains, you'll see a warning saying text elements were left out.

Menu names can vary a little by app version and language.

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