I have this specific problem now — it didnʼt used to exist before — of how to name my fonts.
(Hint: Everything points to the introduction of variable fonts; but donʼt be fooled.)
Formerly, i·e·, before version 14 or so, I entered a font family name, defined a style (i·e·, name, BOLD, ITALIC, etc·), entered the required parameters, compiled it, installed it in my font directory, et voilà, there it was. Usable for all available apps and programs, even in ancient texts — short version: paradise.
Now, I define a font name, define an “instance”, give it a name (several “Recommended” or “Not recommended” warnings to accompany it [none of which makes any sense to me]), click OK, click, “Compile”, as I used to, look up the produced file in Fonts, install it — and then nothing.
Either the font is unfindable, or it is, but on using it in, say, Word, or, Writer, itʼs unusable. When I look up the fontʼs credentials, I find that the version I just installed is either forgotten or replaced by an older version (which I meant to replace). OTF options are screamingly lacking, kerning isnʼt working anymore, ligatures give all the wrong results.
What am I doing wrong? Iʼm sure Iʼm not the only one with this problem, but itʼs not addressed.
So, my central question is: Is this a Windows problem, a FontCreator problem, or a ttf problem («oft» was apparently degraded or discarded)?