A Multiple Master based method for scaling glyphs without changing the stroke characteristics

Abstract

This article presents Compensating Scaling, an advanced method for changing the dimensions of glyphs. Working with MM fonts that have a weight axis, the ‘boldness’ information is used to compensate for changes in stroke weight caused by the scaling. The method helps to create true small caps, Cyrillic lowercase and – since the horizontal and vertical scale factors can be chosen independently – even true condensed fonts. Comparisons to existing typefaces show that the output generated by the model is rather close to that of the true glyphs. In contrast to ‘intelligent’ data formats the model suggested here is a technology-independent formula for the processing of pre-existing shapes. The output has the same format as the input and can be subsequently processed, making the method a tool for the automation of a specific design step rather than a stand-alone technology.

Keywords:

• Multiple Master
• typeface design
• small caps
• Cyrillic
• automation