Making the axis slider 0 to 1 without decimal numbers?

1

Hi!

I’m currently working on a variable font with a custom axis (REVI) with values 0 – 1.
I want that axis just to have two fixed values 0 and 1, and not all the middle decimal numbers, like a swich on-off. I saw that working in some typefaces at v-fonts.com

This is what happens when I try it on Illustrator, FontGuantlet, Samsa, etc:

(link: Dropbox)

Any insights? Maybe a custom parameter?
Thanks
Fer

2

This is up to the programme in which you use it to decide. Theoretically, decimal values are always possible. Some programmes interpret a range 0–1 as a binary “axis” and thus don’t allow decimal values.

1 Like
3

Thanks Sebastian! :slight_smile:

4

But way do you need that as a variable font then? Why not have two styles of the font? Or use feature variations. That way you would not need to keep the outlines compatible.

5

Hey Georg!

Tthis font has a weight and italic axis as well. I wanted to make the Stylistic Alternates easy to use for users by making it an slider, and also trying something a bit experimental (we love playing with VF here at the studio)

I’m currently using the “rename glyphs” parameter and “.rvrn” and “.rlig” code for this axis to substitute the normal ones for the “.salt”

Do you think that there is a better way? Thanks

6

I would not misuse variable axis for stylistic sets.

7

Hey Georg,

Why not? I’ve seen it before in projects like this:

8

Why would you?

9

  1. Usability. Talking with graphic designers they rather use a slider than using the OpenType window in Adobe programs, which is hidden, complicated and not consistent among programs.

  2. Studio Focus/Marketing Strategy. In our studio sometimes we try to use VF in an experimental way like RST Mazumbá for example, we think that makes the project stand out a bit.

My question is… this “misuse” could have any negative impact for the user? or it’s your expert opinion?

Thanks for the feedback!
I think its a good discussion to have.

10

If you apply different “variable” alternatives to different parts of the text/different text boxes, they will be treated as different styles. So, the user won’t be able to select everything and change the weight, for instance.

11

Hey Alex, thanks for pointing that out!

I think that this issue will be fixed eventually in Adobe programs.
But it works just fine on Figma :slight_smile: