Alternate Layer works in 'Variable Font Test HTML' but does not in Illustrator

1

I have a single glyph with an alternate structure setup as so:
Screen Shot 2023-08-21 at 11.17.03 AM

When I use Rainer’s ‘Variable Font Test HTML’ script, the font performs as expected. When I check the specific glyph in Illustrator, it seems to ignore the shape switching.

Do I need rlig OT feature when using the Alternate Layer feature?

EDIT: I tried using Alternate Glyphs instead of Layers, with an rlig feature setup as so:
Screen Shot 2023-08-21 at 12.28.50 PM

Still not working in Illustrator.

2

Try rvrn.

3

Tried using the rvrn OT Feature with the above code, as well as adding a Font → Custom Parameters: Feature for Feature Variations pointing to rvrn Still can’t get the variable export to behave as desired in Adobe.

4

It works in InDesign, no?

Illustrator’s implementation is surprisingly buggy. I’ve been told there was a little improvement in the latest version but haven’t verified myself.

5

Ugh, noted regarding Illustrator’s buggy VAR support.

6

Yeah.

That’s why I thought rvrn would work. Perhaps a more common feature that AI supports out of the box? But my hopes are not high.

7

Would it be smarter then to go back to using alternate layers and only test that it works in InDesign (for Adobe apps)? I see in the Changing Shapes tutorial it says “change the Feature Variations feature only if you really have a good reason”

Is there a specific place we can voice our interest in this buggy support getting solved?