Who this manual is for
Examples
Terminology
Typography
Apple tools
Documents
This manual documents the TrueEdit [TM] application. TrueEdit is
a tool developed by Apple Computer, Inc. to make it easy for TrueType
[TM] font developers to support the typographic advances offered by
Apple's QuickDraw [TM] GX software.
QuickDraw GX is an expanded imaging model for the Macintosh (R)
computer that provides powerful new color, graphics, text, and
printing functionality; in particular, GX introduces significant
extensions to the capabilities of TrueType fonts. Using TrueEdit,
developers creating TrueType fonts can add support for such GX
functions as automatic ligatures; true small capitals; full
international kerning; contextual swash forms; size-dependent spacing
tracks; hanging punctuation; and more. TrueType GX fonts can bring
the best of a centuries-old typographic heritage to the
Macintosh.
This manual does not address the functional details of QuickDraw GX.
Please refer to the Inside Macintosh volume
QuickDraw GX Typography.
This manual documents TrueEdit version 2.0. TrueEdit is still under
development, but Apple has made it available at this stage to
encourage font developers to investigate and experiment with the new
technologies of QuickDraw GX. Some areas of TrueEdit may be enhanced
in subsequent releases. Be sure to check the Release Notes for the
latest information on new features and enhancements.
Because TrueEdit is in development, it has some "quirks" in its
interface and operation. This manual will help you avoid any
potential problems. However, Apple Computer, Inc. can take no
responsibility for damages or business losses resulting from
inadequate or incorrect information provided in this manual, or
improper function of TrueEdit.
TrueEdit and the TrueEdit User Manual have been designed
chiefly for experienced Roman font developers who want to make
TrueType GX fonts. TrueEdit also offers an easy entry point for new
TrueType font developers. Developers creating TrueType fonts for
scripts other than Roman will also find TrueEdit valuable.
QuickDraw GX brings the benefits of traditional typography and type
design to personal computers. These are beautiful and subtle arts,
and advances in software technology are no substitute for a thorough
understanding of the font development process. Effective use of
TrueEdit, and this manual, will be easiest if you are already
familiar with the goals, the techniques, and some of the history of
traditional typography.
The TrueEdit User Manual describes how to use
TrueEdit to add common QuickDraw GX effects to a TrueType font. For
basic operations, no other manuals are required.
We've tried to make the TrueEdit User Manual complete
and well-organized, in part because TrueEdit is not. As with any
software under development, the risk of crashes and lost work
increases significantly when you step outside the areas described in
the manual.
You should read through the entire manual before you begin developing
your GX font, because poor decisions early on can constrain later
development.
Most of the examples in this manual show traditional typographic
effects being added to mainstream Roman fonts. These are only
suggestions: part of the power of QuickDraw GX typography is the
freedom it allows font developers. While you should make your own
decisions on what is right for your font, be aware that some GX
applications may not let users access a full range of unexpected or
unusual effects.
TrueEdit itself does not support all standard GX typographic effects.
If you want to try something significantly different than what is
shown in this manual, a familiarity with technical documentation on
GX typography is essential.
This manual uses simplified terminology for some aspects of
QuickDraw GX typography. The GX technical documents use a variety of
subtly different terms with specific meanings. In the context of this
manual, these distinctions are seldom important. But if you do refer
to other documents, be prepared for some differences in
terminology.
To avoid confusion, in this manual the user is always the
user of TrueEdit: you, the font developer. The term end user
refers to the person using your completed font with a GX application.
The TrueEdit User Manual describes sophisticated
typographic effects, but it is not an example of them. There are only
a few special typographic cues.
Emphasis is used in the text when an important new term is
introduced.
Cautions are marked with a special sign:
This is a warning or caution to the user of TrueEdit.
Also, to help you navigate this document, each page contains one or more of the following buttons:
TrueEdit is not a complete font development tool, and this manual
cannot describe all aspects of QuickDraw GX typography and font
development. This section lists some other resources available for
developers who want to learn more.
If you have specific questions about developing TrueType GX fonts,
contact Apple Developer Support at the AppleLink address:
devsupport@applelink.apple.com
There are several third-party tools available for creating a
font's basic outlines, metrics, and instructions.
Tools available from Apple generally support other aspects of font
development. For information on Apple tools, contact Apple Developer
Support.
Mutator is the Apple tool for implementing the other major
typographic advance of QuickDraw GX: style variations.
Mutator features a graphical editor for drawing and editing the
necessary TrueType data, as well as extensive screen and printer
proofing.
Font Validator automates the process of basic functional testing
for fonts.
Font Validator checks a font and alerts you to any invalid data
formats, incorrect checksums, nonsensical table entries, and similar
problems. While it can't uncover design flaws in the font, Font
Validator can help you determine whether your font meets certain
technical requirements.
RoyalT is the Apple tool for adding instructions to TrueType
fonts.
RoyalT offers a low-level interface to TrueType instructions, which
can sometimes be useful when third-party tools cannot provide the
necessary control.
If you want to go beyond the TrueEdit features covered in this manual, you will need some specific technical references, beginning with the documents listed here.