#TypeSmith Question
10 messages in this thread
Michael,
A TypeSmith question for you. When I load a metrics file for one of the
Soft-Logik fonts supplied with PageStream (Columbia, for instance), no
kerning pair data appears. Is this as it should be? I also get no kerning
pair data when I import Compugraphic fonts.
Adobe Type 1 fonts and metrics import just fine. When I save a Type 1 font
in Soft-Logik format, then reload the resulting DMF and FM files, the
kerning data does appear.
TypeSmith is one nifty program. I'm currently using it to create a 3Zxwings 3or
the face. The results so far have been excellent.
Oh, just remembered another question I have. A few weeks ago you posted
information on a special sale of Soft-Logik fonts and clipart. I've lost
your posting but am interested in taking advantage of the sale. Is it
still going on? If so, could you post a short recap of the details?
Thanks!
-Dave (via AutoPilot)
I'll look into the kerning pairs thing.
Michael – Soft-Logik Publishing
Michael,
Thanks.
Is the font/clipart sale still going on?
-Dave (via AutoPilot)
Yes, til April 4th I believe.
Michael – Soft-Logik Publishing
Dave, Columbia and some of the other fonts shipped with PageStream don't have
kerning pairs defined for them.
The Compugraphic font kerning we are looking into right now, but fonts like
Columbia, Artistic, TomHud, etc. didn't have kerning pairs defined. Only the
better fonts like Tyme, and Helv did.
Mark @ Soft-Logik Publishing
Mark,
Thanks for the info. I guess the display fonts like Columbia and TomHudson
don't really need kerning info, although I could always create my own
kerning pairs for them with TypeSmith….
Another question. What do you folks think of the Compugraphic font format?
I've heard from a number of people who've worked with them on a
programming level that CG fonts are kinda funky. With TypeSmith I've found
that I can convert back and forth between Soft-Logik format and Adobe Type
1 with no noticeable degradation, but converting to or from CG format
always loses info. I've gotten similar results with Fontographer on a
friend's AMax-ed A3000, so I'm assuming the problem lies with the CG
format itself….
-Dave (via AutoPilot)
Yes, converting from CG to another format will loose some info…namely the CG
fonts are defined differently than the other formats. They do not use bzier
curves, so some of the data will be lost. Also, you will lose the hinting info
going from PS Type 1's to CG and CG to PS Type 1.
The hint information won't be very noticable, the bezier curve side really
shouldn't be a problem either.
Mark @ Soft-Logik Publishing
PS: The kerning pairs on CG fonts are not available to TypeSmith (I'm not sure
why, yet).
Mark,
Thanks for the response re. TypeSmith and CG font kerning pair info. Is
the kerning info not avaZ+K^6e to TypeSmith by design or by accident? 8^)
Hinting control wo] le a nice feature to add in the next rev. of
TypeSmith. (Along with support for the TrueType format!) I realize SL
fonts aren't hinted, but since Adobe Type 1 fonts are, the ability to
generate hinting info would be handy. Of course, with laser printer
resolutions continuing to improve, hinting won't be necessary for too much
longer. It's not much of a factor on my HP LaserJet 4 at 600 dpi with RET
enabled.
-Dave (via AutoPilot)
Dave, it is not necessarily by design that the kerning info is not available,
it is how that information is stored in the CG font format that is a problem.
It is just not convertable to the way PgS and PS fonts handle it.
Your Wish List suggestions are already on the ever growing list. 🙂
Mark @ Soft-Logik Publishing
Mark,
Thanks for the CG info. I think I'll avoid CG fonts in the future…good
thing I don't have too many of 'em.
-Dave (via AutoPilot)