convert glyph to path

[Ederag]

If text is composed of symbols stored as glyphs
(e.g. "Symbol called glyph0-8-04 in layer..."),
Path>Object to path
on such a symbol
does nothing ("no objects to convert to path in the selection").

Workaround: copy text to another file, where it is not treated as glyph.

Expected behaviour: convert the symbol to path (or at least yield a better explanation).

The attached inkscape file contains such glyphs.
it comes from a pdf generated by octave,
imported in inkscape by the "poppler/cairo" importer.

It is _not_ related to group/ungroup stuff like in
http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5155
or
https://answers.launchpad.net/inkscape/+question/140512

version: Inkscape 0.92.0 r

[TylerDurden (8thrule)]

"Convert symbol to group to edit" message in the status bar actually means "click the Cut clones' links to original button" to edit. Symbols are like clones, but the original is hidden in the Defs section of the XML. Symbols can be accessed using the Symbols dialog: Menu: Objects>Symbols.

Regards,
TD

[Ederag (ederag)]

Thanks a lot for the accurate and quick reply.
Then the "Convert symbol to group to edit" is not very clear for new users.

0) Could it be replaced by """click the "Cut the selected clones' links" icon to edit.""" ?

Some further propositions:
1) rephrase the icon tooltip
   "Cut the selected clones' links to originals, turning them into standalone objects"
   to
   "Unlink, making the selected objects standalone"
2) add this "Unlink" operation to the popup menu (right click) for linked objects.
3) Same, in the Object menu.

and more importantly for ergonomy,
4) let the "Object to path" operation unlink automatically, instead of failing.