Fonts play a crucial role in typography and visual communication, and the evolving landscape of digital typography has witnessed the rise of variable fonts. OpenType variable fonts allow for multiple design variations within a single font file, providing unprecedented flexibility and creative possibilities. To ensure consistency and interoperability across fonts, OpenType design variation axis tags have emerged as a powerful tool. In this article, we will dive into the significance of OpenType design variation axis tags and explore how they foster conventionality and interoperability in font development.
Why register a design-variation axis?
OpenType supports the creation of custom or “foundry-defined” axes, enabling font developers to introduce various design variations. However, using custom axes can result in inconsistent user experiences, as different foundries may identify and label similar design variants differently. To address this challenge, the registration of design-variation axes offers two key benefits: conventionality and familiarity, and interoperability.
Conventionality and familiarity
When font developers independently incorporate the same design variations into their fonts using custom axes, users face challenges in identifying and referring to these variations consistently. A registered axis provides a standardized framework that enables font developers to use consistent terminology, making it easier for users to navigate and select fonts with specific design characteristics. This increased familiarity enhances the usability of fonts and enables users to anticipate the results they can expect when using fonts with registered axes.
Interoperability
Interoperability is crucial for ensuring seamless interactions between fonts and applications. By defining a conventionally-defined property, such as “italic” or “optical size,” applications can utilize the relationships between fonts and make informed decisions. For example, when substituting fonts, an application can choose an italic font that best matches the original font. Additionally, specifying the numeric scale for optical size allows applications to automatically select the appropriate font variant based on the text size in points. By incorporating registered design-variation axes, font developers and application creators can build robust mechanisms that enhance the user experience.
Process for registration of new design-variation axes
The OpenType Design Variation Axis Tags repository on GitHub serves as a platform for proposing and reviewing new design-variation axes for addition to the OpenType spec. The process aims to ensure consensus, appropriateness, and clear documentation for each proposed axis.
To submit a proposal, individuals can create a fork of the repository, complete the Proposal Summary form, and submit a pull request for review. The proposal undergoes a review and discussion phase, allowing participants to provide feedback, ask questions, and ensure that there is broad consensus regarding the merits and intent of the proposed axis. Microsoft, as the custodian of the OpenType specification, makes the final decision on whether to register a proposed axis based on its maturity, industry support, and consensus among stakeholders.
Conclusion
OpenType design variation axis tags are a foundational element in the development of variable fonts, enabling font developers to create consistent and interoperable font families. By fostering conventionality and familiarity, and facilitating interoperability, registered axis tags enhance the usability of fonts and provide better experiences for end users. The OpenType Design Variation Axis Tags repository on GitHub offers a collaborative platform for proposing and reviewing new axes, ensuring the continuous evolution and improvement of font development practices. As the typography landscape continues to evolve, the adoption of OpenType design variation axis tags will play a crucial role in driving innovation, creativity, and improved user experiences in the world of fonts.
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