Text Tool Thread

Dude_For_realsies · March 28, 2026, 10:06pm

Not sure if this should be its own thread or in this.

Files created in 5.3.0 have super blurry text, while files created in previous versions don’t. Using the appimage version in garuda as arch’s package maintainers are getting weird about having updated the repo to 6.0 and not wanting to downgrade to 5.3.

File created in 5.2, opened in 5.3. “Pro” was created in the 5.3 version to test it:

File created in 5.3:

Same text object copied from the 5.2 file to a 5.3 file:

Idk what’s going on here.

Here’s both files: https://files.catbox.moe/gsul7y.zip . 12 13 will complain about missing a file layer file, but that layer’s not relevant as it has none of the text.

System info

Krita

 Version: 5.3.0 (git 148ce5c)
 Hidpi: true

Qt

  Version (compiled): 5.15.7
  Version (loaded): 5.15.7

OS Information

  Build ABI: x86_64-little_endian-lp64
  Build CPU: x86_64
  CPU: x86_64
  Kernel Type: linux
  Kernel Version: 6.19.9-zen1-1-zen
  Pretty Productname: Garuda Linux
  Product Type: garuda
  Product Version: unknown
  Desktop: KDE
  Appimage build: Yes

Locale

  Languages: en_US, en, en_Latn_US
  C locale: LC_CTYPE=en_US.UTF-8;LC_NUMERIC=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_TIME=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_COLLATE=en_US.UTF-8;LC_MONETARY=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_MESSAGES=en_US.UTF-8;LC_PAPER=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_NAME=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_ADDRESS=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_TELEPHONE=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_MEASUREMENT=es_AR.UTF-8;LC_IDENTIFICATION=es_AR.UTF-8
  QLocale current: en
  QLocale system: en
  QTextCodec for locale: UTF-8

OpenGL Info
 
  Qt Platform Name:  "xcb" 
  Qt XCB GL integration plugin:  xcb_glx 
  Vendor:  "AMD" 
  Renderer:  "AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics (radeonsi, raven, ACO, DRM 3.64, 6.19.9-zen1-1-zen)" 
  Driver version:  "4.6 (Core Profile) Mesa 26.0.3-arch1.1" 
  Shading language:  "4.60" 
  Requested format:  QSurfaceFormat(version 3.3, options QFlags<QSurfaceFormat::FormatOption>(), depthBufferSize 24, redBufferSize 8, greenBufferSize 8, blueBufferSize 8, alphaBufferSize 8, stencilBufferSize 8, samples -1, swapBehavior QSurfaceFormat::DoubleBuffer, swapInterval 0, colorSpace QSurfaceFormat::DefaultColorSpace, profile  QSurfaceFormat::CompatibilityProfile) 
  Current format:  QSurfaceFormat(version 4.6, options QFlags<QSurfaceFormat::FormatOption>(), depthBufferSize 24, redBufferSize 8, greenBufferSize 8, blueBufferSize 8, alphaBufferSize 8, stencilBufferSize 8, samples -1, swapBehavior QSurfaceFormat::DoubleBuffer, swapInterval 0, colorSpace QSurfaceFormat::DefaultColorSpace, profile  QSurfaceFormat::CoreProfile) 
  GL version: 4.6 
  Supports deprecated functions false 
  Is OpenGL ES: false 
  supportsBufferMapping: true 
  supportsBufferInvalidation: true 
  forceDisableTextureBuffers: false 
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QPA OpenGL Detection Info 
  supportsDesktopGL: true 
  supportsOpenGLES: true 
  isQtPreferOpenGLES: false 
  Detected renderers: 
    (Supported) AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics (radeonsi, raven, ACO, DRM 3.64, 6.19.9-zen1-1-zen) (OpenGL ES 3.2 Mesa 26.0.3-arch1.1) 
    (Supported) AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics (radeonsi, raven, ACO, DRM 3.64, 6.19.9-zen1-1-zen) (4.6 (Core Profile) Mesa 26.0.3-arch1.1)  

useBufferInvalidation (config option): false

Log


SESSION: 28 Mar 2026 19:02:23 -0300. Executing /tmp/.mount_krita-ACIfmI/usr/bin/krita

Krita Version: 5.3.0 (git 148ce5c), Qt version compiled: 5.15.7, loaded: 5.15.7. Process ID: 39435
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
28 Mar 2026 19:02:23 -0300: Style: fusion. Available styles: Windows, Fusion
-0300: CLOSING SESSION
28 Mar 2026 19:03:22 -0300: Saving Document  as /home/duende/5.3 (mime: application/x-troff-man). 2048 * 2048 pixels, 16 layers.  101 frames, 24 framerate. Export configuration: No configuration
28 Mar 2026 19:03:22 -0300: Completed saving /home/duende/5.3 (mime: application/x-troff-man). Result: Krita does not support this file format.. Warning: . Size: 0
28 Mar 2026 19:03:25 -0300: Failed to initiate saving /home/duende/5.3 in background: failed to start background saving
28 Mar 2026 19:03:30 -0300: Saving Document  as /home/duende/5.3.kra (mime: application/x-krita). 2048 * 2048 pixels, 16 layers.  101 frames, 24 framerate. Export configuration: No configuration
28 Mar 2026 19:03:30 -0300: Converting from application/x-krita to application/x-krita. Location: /home/duende/5.3.kra. Real location: /home/duende/5.3.kra. Batchmode: 0. Configuration: none
28 Mar 2026 19:03:31 -0300: Completed saving /home/duende/5.3.kra (mime: application/x-krita). Result: OK. Warning: . Size: 174086
28 Mar 2026 19:03:31 -0300: Removing autosave file: /home/duende/.krita-36256-document_0-autosave.kra
28 Mar 2026 19:03:31 -0300: Saving Completed

alienrobot · March 28, 2026, 10:56pm

I think one way this could be improved is if the layers docker let you “expand” vector layers to show all the shapes/text objects contained in it. Then it wouldn’t create multiple layers but it would let you see all text objects you have created.

wolthera · March 30, 2026, 9:33am

Yes. The main reason I didn’t go with a traditional everything-in-stacked-closely-together layout is because the text layout uses CSS, while a lot of these programs use a custom solution that is much simpler. Furthermore, when I asked people what they desired from the new text tool at the start of this thread, there were requests to make it easy to use with tablets, as well as the ability to keep it simple and focused.

Because I could not imagine a tool that would be fully-stacked together, that also allowed access to CSS features that are more complex, that also wasn’t overwhelming, I decided to instead use a simpler vertical list layout. This also has other benefits, like not relying on icons to represent features. Furthermore, due feedback from the thread, it is also possible to customize how many and which properties are visible, which should be particularly useful for international use, as not everyone needs, for example, ligatures.

A part of me had wished I had had more time, so I could’ve implemented a python API, and then people would be able to experiment for themselves to see if a tighter stacked UI is possible. It might even be that people can then say they don’t want to allow certain CSS features, or don’t particularly care about certain buttons.

So… I think what might be going on here is that the ‘old’ file is a 300 DPI file, while the ‘new’ file is 100 DPI. This changes the relationship between points and pixels, and our vector layers have always been in points.

No, because SVG only has one paragraph per text object.

Everything else discussed is stuff I already answered multiple times. Usually I tend to then answer it again, because I understand that forum threads are just hard to search, but I am really exhausted after the 5.3 release, and would like to focus all my remaining energy on bugfixes for now. When I’ve recuperated a little, I’ll update the first post and write a bit about the next steps.

EDIT: The Inkscape devs are taking inspiration from all the UI work I’ve been doing, which I thought was nice, so I wanted to share that.

Ponyhome · March 30, 2026, 6:45pm

If one could freely change the scaling or line height of a paragraph one could simulate paragraph spacing. I have tried creating paragraphs containing only spaces, then scaling the font size down to reduce the gap between paragraphs, but this hasn’t worked as expected. In fact I ran into a couple of peculiar bugs while trying it. (518338 & 518344).

On a side note, my own personal feeling is that triple-click should select paragraphs, as is the norm in many text apps. Since CTRL-A already selects the entire text block, having triple-click select an entire text block seems redundant, and removes the very useful capability of selecting a paragraph. That’s kind of a feature request, though.

Petra_Ikura · April 4, 2026, 12:42am

Say I want to make a caption with an image on one side and the story on the other side. How would I go about doing that with the text tool?

Someonesane · April 4, 2026, 3:25am

You’d place your image on one side, then create a vector layer and place a vector shape on the other (this can be a rectangle or any form of shape). You’d then select the Text Tool and click within that vector shape, so Krita will flow the text into it. You can then type within it, as you’d like.

Example (red line shows the outline of my vector shape):

Result:

I made a video that covers this, but it was for someone who wanted to know how to flow text between multiple vector shapes. If you’d like to watch that, you can see it here:

Flowing Text between Vector Shapes in Krita

Petra_Ikura · April 4, 2026, 5:54am

ok ok Liking what I’m seeing here but one other question comes to my mind is how do I add things like drop shadows or outlines like in Adobe Illustrator?

Michelist · April 4, 2026, 7:03am

Have not checked it so far, but usually Layer Styles found via right-click on the text layer in the layer-stack.

Michelist

Someonesane · April 4, 2026, 7:12am

Depends…

Text in Krita is handled via the vector layers, so you can add an outline to it, just by selecting the text with the Select Shapes tool, then going to the Tool Options Docker and, on the line tab there, setting the lines to use “Solid Color Fill” or “Gradient Fill” (click the button with three dots to change how the corners of the outline are handled).

However, this can be done another way, along with other things like drop shadows, via the Layer Styles, where you can add an outline (“stroke”), drop shadow, inner or outer glow, etc.

But, you can also handle the effects manually, using masks and whatnot. How you approach it, really depends on your end goal. For example, on the example I posted for someone here: Sharp Outline Example I outlined my text with the vector feature I mentioned (thin black line) but created a sharp drop shadow by duplicating the layer and shifting it down and to the right (which also was given a sharp red outline, for flare. Whereas in the example below, the white text was given a red vector line on (inner red line), then an additional outline using a Stroke layer style, and then a shadow using a Drop Shadow Layer style.

HamHunterX3 · April 2, 2026, 8:31pm

How is it this app has a better text assist than the app? Anyway, my krita crashes every time I try to use the text tool. I wish they didn’t even update this thing. My app was working just fine. And the click this or click that is no help to me. I use an art tablet. (Not your problem I know, but I just thought I’d mention it) (If I come off as angry, I’m sorry but whoever updated this thing needs to undo it now.)

LuGo · April 5, 2026, 12:34am

go to the official page and look for an older apk, you can roll back the app yourself

Michelist · April 5, 2026, 6:15am

@HamHunterX3 you’ll find them here:

Michelist

Petra_Ikura · April 5, 2026, 5:12pm

Okay thanks for the prompt help so far now another issue I’m having is how exactly do I either move the text or change the initial vector shape’s color?

Someonesane · April 5, 2026, 6:02pm

If you have the Text tool selected, select your text field, then move your cursor to the dotted edge, until you see a sort of plus sign cursor. You can then left click + Drag the text.

If you have the Select Shapes tool selected, just left click + Drag to move the text.

With the Text Tool selected, you’ll want to highlight the text, then click on the Select a Color button, and choose a color (this can method allows you to change the colors of select words, or even letters, within the text field).

With the Select Shapes Tool, you’ll be changing the color of the entire text within any text fields selected, and you just select the text fields and then use the Select a Color button to select a color.

(EDIT)

It’s occurred to me, based on your phrasing, that you may have embedded your text within a vector shape. If that’s the case, the above things still work, but you would also want to know how to edit the features of the vector your text was embedded in. In which case, you can use either the Text Tool or the Select Shapes Tools to select the text embedded object. You’ll then see a small black square at the upper right of the selection rig (see point 1 in screen shot). Click it and it will turn blue (see point 2). You can now select the shape the text is embedded in, allow you to change it like you would a normal vector shape. Click the blue box again, to exit the edit mode.

Petra_Ikura · April 5, 2026, 6:54pm

Ok I’ve figured out how to change the colors of the vector object but then the text seems to lose its layer styles so how do I do so without that happening or do I really have to reapply them all? I also tried changing the size of the vector shape so the text would not overlap but then the text would change as well? I also did try clicking on the button you told me about but it seems to do the same thing either way?

Petra_Ikura · April 5, 2026, 10:35pm

Would it be better to just start the caption over? I’d post to show what I’m trying to do but I’m a bit sure it would be too nsfw for this place.

Someonesane · April 6, 2026, 3:18am

Changing the color shouldn’t be changing your layer style. Not sure what’s going on there.

I don’t know… At this point, I’d need to see what you were doing to get a better understanding of what’s happening, because what you’re experiencing doesn’t match up with my own experiences.

Ponyhome · April 6, 2026, 1:49pm

Following the directions for reporting a bug, which direct me to post to the forum, first, I’m seeing some curious behavior with vector objects that have text attached to them when using the layer move tool. It appears to be a display update bug, but only associated with vector objects that have text attached. I know that it’s only display-related, because if I save the file and re-open it, the vector object is transformed correctly, but the preview icon in the “Recent Files” window shows the corrupted display.

This is a real simple example:

Rectangle object with text aligned on it before using “Move a Layer” tool:

Same object after using “Move a Layer” tool:

This doesn’t seem to affect vector objects UNLESS they have text attached to them. This is using Krita 5.31 on Windows 10. I’ve also had it crash several times while playing with it, but I can’t figure out a reliable sequence of operations to induce a crash.

Ponyhome · April 6, 2026, 2:23pm

This would depend on how you’re transforming the size of the vector shape. If you use the “Transform Layer Or Selection” tool, yes, it will change the size of all objects in the selection, including text. To change just the size of the vector shape, you need to use the “Select Shapes” tool. You’ll also need to click the grey box in the upper right of the vector selection that toggles between text attributes and shape attributes, then select the vector object again. Grab handles will appear, and you can resize JUST the vector object. The text will flow to the new vector object size.

Petra_Ikura · April 6, 2026, 2:24pm

I did wind up deleting the vector object and remaking it so that it blends into the background better and saved that version as a separate file. However I do want to avoid having to do something like it in the future. So should I PM you that initial version of what I was working on so I’d know which box NOT to tick or something?