Contents


About This Manual


Introduction

Who this manual is for

What's in this manual

Examples
Terminology
Typography

Other resources

Apple tools

Documents

 


Introduction


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.

Who this manual is for

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.

What's in this manual

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.

Examples

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.

Terminology

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.

Typography

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:

 Contents: Click to return to table of contents.

 Back: Click to go to preceding page or chapter.
 Next: Click to go to following page or chapter.

Other resources

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

Apple tools

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

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

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

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.

Documents

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.


Contents

Arleigh Movitz (movitz@apple.com)
Dave Opstad (opstad@apple.com)