I recently had a file customer having trouble following along with my YouTube tutorial for this. So, I've typed it out as a guide you can follow. Here's how I add a font to an existing design. I'm using a circle in this case, but the same rules apply to a premade monogram.
Step One: Type out your text.
Step Two: Convert your font to a path by selecting your font and using "object to path." This action can also be done using the shortcut command Shift+Ctrl+C.
After you've converted your font to a path, you should see that reflected at the bottom of your screen. It should look something like this:
Step Three: Make your rectangle tabs to bridge your letters. This step prevents centers from dropping out of your letters and is essential for CNC plasma cutting. Use the rectangle tool to draw a tab. In this instance, only the O needs to be bridged.
Step Four: Once your tabs are positioned where you want them, select all of those tabs at once. (ONLY the tabs.) Now, use the path-union function. The shortcut for this is ctrl and +.
Step Five: Select all of the tabs, which are now one path, and your font, then path-difference. (The shortcut for this is ctrl and -.)
Step Six: Now select your font and entire design and path-difference. (Ctrl and -)
You should now have successfully added font to an existing design. You should now see something similar at the bottom of your Inkscape screen. This information bar helps let you know the status of your design. If you've successfully created a path, it will tell you. If you haven't, this area will help clue you in.
For more detailed Inkscape tutorials for CNC plasma cutting, visit our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BadDogMetalworks.
