About FontValidator


What Does FontValidator Do


FontValidator is a tool automatically verifies the data of the following font tables in True Type fonts and in GX fonts:

'avar', 'bsln', 'cmap' (including format 0, 2, 4 and 6), 'cvar', 'fdsc', 'feat', 'fpgm', 'fmtx', 'fvar', 'gvar', 'head', 'hhea', 'hmtx', 'just', 'kern', 'lcar', 'loca', 'mort', 'name', 'opbd', 'prop', 'post', 'prep', 'sbit', 'trak', 'vhea', 'vmtx', sfnt directory.

It has an option for testing Instructions.

It does quick fix on naming table.

It also has an option for testing SBit only fonts.


How to Run FontValidator


FontValidator can be used to test fonts in Fonts folder within the System folder or fonts outside of Fonts folder in the System folder.


The procedure to run it:


Step1:

Launch FontValidator from Finder.

The following menu will show up:




Step2:

Select what kind of tests to proceed.

From Validate menu, there are three available options:



Note: Don't select "Run Hints" and "Sbits only" at the same time, that would invoke some duplicate tests.


Step3:

Select what kind of information to be displayed in the log.

By default, FontValidator will display errors and warnings when problems are detected as the program proceeds. However if desired, you can select to show information and notices from Validate menu, for "Run Hints", this will indicate which point size it has tested.


Step 4:

Select which fonts to be tested.

a. To test a font (or fonts) in Fonts folder, pull down Fonts menu, and select a font, repeat this if multiple fonts are to be tested, or if intending to test all the fonts in Fonts folder, select All Fonts from Validate menu.
Go on to step 5.

b. To test fonts that are outside of the system Fonts folder, you need to first set up the other parameters as described in steps 2 and 3, then under File menu, select Open to select the font to be tested. Once selected the test will begin automatically. This approach only allows one font (family) at a time to be tested.


Step5:

After everything is set, select "New" from File menu. The test then begins and a message log window will prompt up. A watch cursor indicates that the test is in progress. When the test is done, the cursor returns to an arrow.


Step6:

When the test is done, you may save the log file by selecting either Save or Save As, then enter a file name of your choice. You may then edit the saved file and print the saved file.


Step 7:

Check the log and modify your fonts when necessary.



Error Messages


A list of possible error messages is provided in FontValidator Err Msgs

Also refer to the TrueType Reference Manual and the GX Font Format document for font tables information.



System Requirements



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    Application by: Mike Reed and Min-Chi Tien
    tien.mc@apple.com

    Documentation by: Min-Chi Tien

    Conversion to html: Zhiqun Chen

    Editing: Arleigh Movitz