Step-by-Step: Using Adobe Font Development Kit for OpenTypeThe Adobe Font Development Kit for OpenType (AFDKO) is a powerful suite of tools designed for type designers and font developers. It provides a comprehensive environment for creating, modifying, and maintaining OpenType fonts. This article provides an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how to utilize the AFDKO to enhance your typography projects.
Understanding OpenType Fonts
OpenType is a font format developed by Microsoft and Adobe that supports advanced typographic features. It combines the best of TrueType and PostScript font technologies and allows for a wide range of capabilities, including ligatures, alternate characters, and complex scripts. With AFDKO, you can take full advantage of these features.
Setting Up Your Environment
1. Install the AFDKO
- Download: Visit the Adobe website to download the latest version of the AFDKO.
- Installation: Follow the installation prompts for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Dependencies: Ensure that you have Python installed since AFDKO runs on Python scripts.
2. Configure Your Workspace
- Path Settings: Add AFDKO to your system’s PATH environment variable. This allows you to run AFDKO command-line tools from any terminal window.
- Font Editor: Choose a font editor that integrates well with AFDKO, such as Glyphs, FontLab, or Robofont.
Creating a Basic Font
1. Start with Glyphs
- Create a New Project: Open your chosen font editor and create a new font project.
- Add Glyphs: Define the basic glyphs needed for your font. This includes the alphabet, numerals, punctuation, and any special characters.
2. Utilize AFDKO Tools
- gftools: This is a command-line utility within AFDKO. Use
gftoolsto generate a basic .otf font file. The command usually looks like this:
gftools -g yourfont.ufo - Wrap Up: Once you’ve generated the font file, it’s essential to review the glyphs in your font editor.
Adding Advanced Features
1. Define Font Features
-
Feature Files: Create a feature file (
.fea) to define the typographic features of your font, including ligatures, kerning, and stylistic alternates. -
Basic Syntax: Here’s a simple example for adding ligatures:
feature liga { script latn; language dflt; sub f i by fi; sub t h by th; } liga; 2. Compile Features with AFDKO
- Use the
makeotftool to compile your.feafile into the final font. The command typically looks like this:
makeotf -f yourfont.ufo -o yourfont.otf Testing Your Font
1. Install Font Viewer
- Use a font viewer tool to install and preview your font. Tools like FontForge or Glyphs can show you how your font will appear in different applications.
2. Adjust as Necessary
- Make adjustments based on how your font behaves in the viewer. Pay special attention to spacing, ligatures, and overall visual balance.
Finalizing and Exporting
1. Final Quality Check
- Proofing: Print proofs or view your font in various applications to catch any issues. Look for any glyphs that may need minor adjustments.
2. Export the Font
- Once satisfied, use the
makeotftool again to finalize your font export. Ensure you save it in both .otf and .ttf formats for wider compatibility.
Conclusion
Using the Adobe Font Development Kit for OpenType allows for robust type design capabilities. By following these steps, you can create and refine your own OpenType fonts, harnessing the full potential of this versatile format. As you gain experience, you’ll find even more sophisticated features to enhance your typography projects.
With practice and exploration, you can become proficient in using AFDKO and contribute to the rich world of type design. Happy font making!
Leave a Reply