How is Optical Metrics stored?

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Mike Thompson
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How is Optical Metrics stored?

Post by Mike Thompson »

In the Automatic Metrics Wizard, is the data purely TrueType? (i.e. no OpenType tables)

If after applying Optical Metrics, I open the Kerning window, will the results of the Optical Metrics
be visible in the Kerning window.

When I use Optical Metrics after using Kerning will the work in the Kerning be wiped out?

How are these two types of data stored? Are they quite independent?

Mike
Mike Thompson
Hebrew Font Design
http://hebrew-font-shuneet.com
Mike Thompson
Top Typographer
Top Typographer
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:10 pm
Location: Massachusetts
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Re: How is Optical Metrics stored?

Post by Mike Thompson »

Does anybody know?

The reason for my question is my way of working.
a) I will prepare a TrueType font for Latin and Hebrew using Font Creator v7.
b) Next I will use Microsoft VOLT to position the marks in Hebrew. Note that when VOLT
starts up it deletes any OpenType data! I want to be sure that at this stage
nothing is lost.
c) I will return to Font Creator to work the OpenType for the Latin.

That's why I ask if any of the AutoMetrics processes generate OpenType tables?

Mike
Mike Thompson
Hebrew Font Design
http://hebrew-font-shuneet.com
Erwin Denissen
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Re: How is Optical Metrics stored?

Post by Erwin Denissen »

It will only affect the left and right side bearings of a predefined subset of characters. Since kerning pairs depend on these bearings, the actual positioning of the pairs will be affected, but the kerning pairs themselves remain untouched.

So in general it is best to first ensure the metrics are correct, then use kerning to fix the exceptions.

Ideally you should use our font editor to add all your OpenType layout features. Let us know which parts need improvements.
Erwin Denissen
High-Logic
Proven Font Technology
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