SVG file help?

[mcdonaat]

I went over to Wikipedia and downloaded a county route shield, as an SVG file, with the intent of creating a custom shield for myself. However, Illustrator is being evil, and won't let me edit the numbers. Any help?

[NE2]

The numbers have been converted to paths. Use this one: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_DOT_FHWA_MUTCD_SHS_2004_3-7_M1-6_450x450mm_00.svg

[mcdonaat]

Thanks! The true question is, are there any ways to undo the creation of paths? I would like to use the state highway shields too.

[NE2]

Thanks! The true question is, are there any ways to undo the creation of paths? I would like to use the state highway shields too.

Think about it. (Hint: no.) Most state highways also have templates. Otherwise just add the bloody text yourself.

[mcdonaat]

Got it! Downloaded the Series fonts, and it looks pretty good!

[bulldog1979]

We have to convert the text to paths. If we don't, then the graphics will have some other typeface appear. See, Wikimedia Commons converts the SVGs into PNGs, and it's the PNG version at the specified size that appears in your browser. (Not all browsers can handle SVGs natively.) The Roadgeek fonts are not installed on the servers, so the software cannot use them for the conversion. So, we convert the text to paths, which fixes the shape of the letters. Then the servers, and any users who may not have the fonts either, won't lose the intended design.

[Scott5114]

Most shields have a template that does not have the text converted to path floating around somewhere on Commons. If they don't, it is generally not that difficult to make one yourself; just create a text element, set the font to the appropriate series, and use the centering alignment tools to place the text element in the correct spot.

[vtk]

If only font-embedding in SVG was better-supported...

[Quillz]

Yeah, when I do route shields in Illustrator, I never use the pre-existing text, I just create new text (usually the specs will tell you where at what height to place the numerals) and then convert them to a path manually. It takes a little longer, but I always feel it gives you a little more precision.