Multiline text on a path

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fetimo

Hi all!

I'm trying to automate creating some labels which require positioning text on a curved path.
This works great for text that fits within the confines of the path but it doesn't wrap like in other publishing software.

What do I need to do to get multiline text on a path to wrap? Please excuse the dodgy Bézier curve and layout in the screenshots!

Many thanks,
fetimo

AdmFubar

That issue for text layout that has been around long time. I think some software has been created to handle this, but is windows only. Inkscape might be able to do this.

Another option i just thought of, is placing the text on a spiral. It would require lots of spacing to align the text as in your examples, and may not be particle for your needs.

Hope this give you a starting point/insparation.
Using Scribus1.6.1, 1.7.0 openSUSE 15.6
Advanced hobbyist

a.l.e

Well, I wondered if...

And tried if...

And, yes, it's possible:

text-on-path.png

But the result looks so ugly to me, that I wonder if it's really worth to tell you, how I got there...
(but, well, from the screenshot one can guess it... and it's pretty easy to do...)

fetimo

As an absolute novice to Scribus I would appreciate if you could share how you accomplished that  ;D

For some additional context the labels are applied to a pot so although the text is slightly curved in the design it appears straight when applied to the frustum. The curve just compensates for the curve of the pot.

AdmFubar

You probably should be using actual labeling software. Is this a direct thermal? Thermal transfer? Or are you prepping artwork for a preprinted label? 
Using Scribus1.6.1, 1.7.0 openSUSE 15.6
Advanced hobbyist

fetimo

It's the latter, prepping artwork for a pre-printed label.

a.l.e

Well, not sure that the result will be nice but:

- duplicate your path and place the duplicates in order of creation one below the other
- select all the paths and "item > shape & paths > combine polygons"
- attach the text to path
- edit the text with the text editor and add spaces to make the text break at the "right" place
- cry silently.

AdmFubar

Quote from: fetimo on December 03, 2025, 07:10:42 PMIt's the latter, prepping artwork for a pre-printed label.

Can the preprinted label include the this text, or are you using this label for other items? If the former, the designer will have better tools for laying out the text. Check with them if they can do it.

If the latter, you will need fuss a bit with the layout. 

I've been through the same issues at my job.
Using Scribus1.6.1, 1.7.0 openSUSE 15.6
Advanced hobbyist