Converting Text to Non-Text

Question

I'm learning how to work with text and am trying to understand the different options that are available.

One problem I have is custom fonts that don't display properly when a SVG image is published online. I haven't yet been able to make it work.

Another problem is that if I use the function Effect > 3D > Extrude and Bevel I can create some cool effects, but the file size zooms up from, say, 50K to several MB.

It seems like the solution to both problems might be to convert the text into a non-text format. I don't want to rasterize it, because I want to create a vector graphic. So what are the choices that are available?

I just discovered Type > Outlines, followed by Ungroup, which is really cool. Another option is to convert it to a shape.

I discovered that converting text to either a shape or outlines erases my special effects (3D bevel), but I can reapply it to the new outline or shape.

Before I start testing the various formats and combinations, I'd like to make sure I'm headed in the right direction.

1. Is either format (shape or outlines) linked to a font? In other words, can I publish it online without bothering with CSS or embedded fonts?

2. Will the bloated file size I experience with beveled text disappear if I change the text to a shape or outlines, then apply the same special effect?

3. Are there any other non-text formats I should be aware of?

Thanks.

jdanek · Accepted Answer

Let me take a stab at this...

1. Is either format (shape or outlines) linked to a font? In other words, can I publish it online without bothering with CSS or embedded fonts?

No. Once you convert the link is broken. Always convert on a "copy" of the original so you retain "live" text should you ever need to go back and edit.

2. Will the bloated file size I experience with beveled text disappear if I change the text to a shape or outlines, then apply the same special effect?

No. But, you can "Expand" the appearance that may reduce the file size. Are you planning on saving the file as .svg?

3. Are there any other non-text formats I should be aware of?

Not that I am aware of.

Thanks.

You're welcome. Just a side note. There are what are referred to as "web fonts". CSS may be able to embed a web font, so it loads along with the rest of your web resources.

Monika Gause · Answer

In an SVG the 3D effect will be expanded automatically. And this will create hundreds of paths (which is what bloats the file). In case there is artwork applied to the 3D object, then there will be pixelimages and clipping masks.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to have this kind of object in an SVG. I would convert the object to pixels and then embed it into the SVGas a JPEG. Probably this will solve your file size issue.

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