Creating a complex pixel font

1

Hi,
I am creating a pixel font based on an unusual “cross stitch” style pixel. I created the pixel but now that I updated glyphs, the pixel became a simple square. It will not allow me to create the pixel again, also I wasn’t able to export the file because of too many nodes when the pixel was the shape I wanted.

I disabled sub-routines before exporting the font when I was testing a few letters but now that the shapes are getting larger and more complex, it is not allowing me to export unless the pixel is simple.

My question is, can I create a pixel font from this unique pixel, and if so, how can it be exported?

I am unable to attach the file as it says I am a new user.

2

Try exporting as TTF. Because it uses components, the complexity of the pixel shape doesn’t matter.

3

I tried that and the software crashes

4

Could you send me the file?

5

I sent you a detailed email, it says new users cannot upload here.

6

I got the file. Will have a look later today.

7

Thank you, I appreciate your help!

8

Please update to the latest version (3.3). It can export the file without problems.

And there are two parameter that can be set in the instance settings that will reduce the file size quite a bit: Keep Overlapping Components, Keep Transformed Components.

9

I am already on 3.3.
where can I find the instance settings you mentioned?

10

Add an instance in the Exports settings. Then add a custom parameter and search for the parameter names in the popup.

11

ok I tried adding the custom parameters and the font exported as a TTF but only the components show up, none of the letters are exporting.

12

How do you test the font?

13

I installed it and tested it in illustrator

14

Bad idea.

15

Even when using the Adobe Fonts folder, the TTF file only shows the components and not the font. When I got to the Glyphs panel all the letters are missing and only the components show.

16

image
image2438×1668 274 KB

This is what the glyphs panel looks like. You can see there are empty glyphs where the letters should be.

I figured out now that the only glyphs that are showing are the ones built directly from the pixel. But when I create components from a group of pixels they have to be decomposed first. Not completely decomposed but just ungrouped from their component. The “decompose components” in the glyph panel decomposes them completely into paths.

Anyway, is there any workaround to make this into an OTF file since I am hoping to create ligatures and alternates and also make it into a colored font.
Thanks.

17

Can you try without the two custom parameters?
And when switching to testing with the adobe fonts folder, make sure the font is properly deinstalled (it doesn’t show up at all in Illustrator.) or change the font name.

18

without the custom parameters Glyphs crashes.

Of course I cleaned up all the files and am using the adobe folder only. I also can see the font is not in Illustrator at all, so i know there is no conflict.

19

I can reproduce the crash in 3.3 but not in the latest cutting edge version 3.3.1. Can you please update to the latest cutting edge version (activate it in Preferences > Update)?

20

we have a university license, I am not sure they have the latest version in the system. Can I still update to 3.3.1 directly from the app?