What is the most efficient way to fit text such as "Four Chairs" in this image using Inkscape?



I tried the technique using "Text -> Object To Path -> Path Effects -> Envelope Distortion", but moving edges or points distorts the image in a way incompatible with the example I posted.

In the end I found scaling a shape along the "y-axis" and using it as a guide to reposition individual nodes in the text path worked to create the effect I was looking for, but it was time consuming and repetitive. This process itself it very reproducible and could turned into an algorithm in my opinion. This leads to my original question, is there automated way to recreate this effect in Inkscape?

Hi.

Check these:

thread 1
thread 2
gsl
bit related thread

The links you posted are of the technique I tried originally, and that was "Text -> Object To Path -> Path Effects -> Envelope Distortion". The problem with Envelope Distortion distortion is that it bulges or pinches on both the x and y axis, where as in my example I only want to distort on the vertical axis.

If and when Envelope Distortion is applied and the bottom bend path is adjusted in the "y-axis" direction, path nodes with will inevitably warp on the "x-axis" as well, albeit subtly in some cases. I see no way to suppress this undesirable side effect. Users can compensate by readjusting individual nodes after the effect has applied, but this is more cumbersome than the technique I settled on.



Notice how when using the Envelope Distortion only on the bottom path, the letters in the above screen capture are also curving along vertical paths, which is not the same as the effect I originally described/showed, which is straight vertical lines and distortion as a scale effect on height or the "y-axis" only. I don't think "Envelope Distortion" can handle this.

You could do it 'manually' using node sculpting (see example on the page): http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... -Sculpting

Link repair:
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... -Sculpting

Thanks (fixed in the original post now, too)

Bezier Envelope Extension works well for this
http://cleversomeday.com/textwarpink/