Interface¶
Panels, tools, and the words the applications put on screen.
Use the entry for the relevant application. Draft terms require confirmation before publication.
action¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
An action is an operation you can invoke in the application. An action label names the operation; help explains its effect.
Write: An action is an operation you can invoke in the application.
Not: Use action without identifying its meaning in context.
add¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Add inserts another item into the current collection or selection. Name the item when the surrounding control does not make it clear.
Write: Add inserts another item into the current collection or selection.
Not: Use add without identifying its meaning in context.
alternate¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
An alternate is a different glyph form for the same character or purpose. The context determines how you select or substitute that form.
Write: An alternate is a different glyph form for the same character or purpose.
Not: Use alternate without identifying its meaning in context.
anchor cloud¶
Also written: cloud. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: attachment point cloud.
The anchor cloud previews the marks that attach to an anchor by showing them faintly around the glyph in the Glyph window. It checks mark positioning without leaving the base glyph.
Write: Show the anchor cloud to check the acute position.
Not: The anchor cloud is a group of anchors.
See also: anchor, mark attachment, mark glyph
auto layer¶
Also written: auto layers, recipe. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: recipe-built layer.
An auto layer builds a glyph from a recipe, such as A plus acute, and rebuilds it when the parts change. Turn auto off to edit the glyph by hand.
Write: Turn the accented glyphs into auto layers.
Not: An auto layer is a mask layer.
See also: composite glyph, component, Layers
autohint¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Autohint is the command to generate hints automatically. Use autohinting when naming the process rather than the command.
Write: Autohint is the command to generate hints automatically.
Not: Use autohint without identifying its meaning in context.
Brush¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-lines. Translatable: yes.
The Brush tool draws a stroke freehand, and what the stroke becomes differs by product. In FontLab and Fontographer the Brush keeps the path you drew as a centreline and generates the thick outline from it, so the drawing stays editable until you expand it into ordinary contours. In Vexy Lines the Brush paints masks by hand, and a mask decides where a layer's fills can draw rather than being artwork itself. Name the application in any sentence where a reader could take one tool for the other.
Write: In FontLab, the Brush tool keeps your path as a centreline until you expand the stroke.
Not: The Brush lets you paint your shapes.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab and Fontographer: a calligraphic drawing tool that keeps the drawn path as a centreline and generates the outline from it, becoming ordinary contours only when you expand it. FontLab adds a Brush panel for angle and width; Fontographer groups Brush with Pencil and Thickness on one toolbar button. Vexy Lines: a tool that paints masks freehand, not artwork. Name the app and say what the stroke becomes.
See also: Knife, contour, Fills, element, Masks
collapse¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Collapse aligns the selected nodes to one point. In the Contour tool it aligns both coordinates; in the Metrics tool only the horizontal one. It moves nodes; it does not merge them.
Write: Collapse the two nodes onto the stem edge.
Not: Collapse merges the nodes into one.
color flag¶
Also written: flag, mark color. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: color mark.
A color flag is a color you assign to a glyph cell, a kerning pair or a class to mark it for later. Flags are annotations for the designer and are not exported.
Write: Flag the unfinished glyphs orange.
Not: Color flags are exported as color layers.
See also: sticker, font target
corner angles¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The angles at contour vertices. These geometric measurements describe how adjacent segments meet at a corner and can be displayed on the canvas.
Write: Use corner angles when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
cousins¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: related glyphs alongside.
Cousins are related glyphs or other masters that FontLab shows faintly around the current glyph in the Glyph window, so you can compare shapes and spacing while you edit. The name is FontLab's, rendered in each language's house voice.
Write: Turn on Cousins to compare the masters.
Not: Cousins are the glyph's components.
See also: master, glyph, Layers
crop¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Crop trims an image or drawing to a chosen area. The command label names the operation; its context identifies the object being cropped.
Write: Crop trims an image or drawing to a chosen area.
Not: Use crop without identifying its meaning in context.
cubic¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A cubic Bézier segment is a curve defined by two endpoints and two control points. Cubic describes the degree of the curve, not its physical dimensions.
Write: A cubic Bézier segment is a curve defined by two endpoints and two control points.
Not: Use cubic without identifying its meaning in context.
current¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Current identifies the item or state active at the time of an operation. Name the item, such as the current layer, when the context is ambiguous.
Write: Current identifies the item or state active at the time of an operation.
Not: Use current without identifying its meaning in context.
cusp¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A cusp is a sharp point where a curve changes direction abruptly. Keep it distinct from a smooth join.
Write: A cusp is a sharp point where a curve changes direction abruptly.
Not: Use cusp without identifying its meaning in context.
decompose¶
Also written: decompose components. Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, transtype. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: break into contours.
Decompose replaces components with copies of their contours, so the glyph no longer follows its source glyphs. Use it before edits that a component cannot carry, or before export to a format without composites.
Write: Decompose the composite before you edit the accent.
Not: Decompose breaks the glyph apart.
See also: component, composite glyph, element reference
default¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A default is the value or choice used when no explicit alternative has been selected. It need not be the currently selected value.
Write: A default is the value or choice used when no explicit alternative has been selected.
Not: Use default without identifying its meaning in context.
demo mode¶
Applies to: fontlab, transtype. Translatable: yes.
Demo mode is how FontLab runs without a license: everything works except saving, exporting and printing.
Write: In demo mode you cannot export.
Not: Demo mode hides the tools.
See also: FontLab, FontLab account
dialog¶
Applies to: all. Translatable: yes.
A dialog presents information, settings or a question for a particular interaction. A modal dialog restricts interaction with its parent until it is dismissed; a modeless dialog does not. Use the application's established name and reproduce its button labels exactly. If a procedure opens a dialog, explain the relevant choices and how to apply or cancel them.
Write: In the Overlay Fonts dialog, choose the font and click OK.
Not: Every dialog blocks the whole application until it closes.
See also: panel, property bar, Transform
Dream Up¶
Also written: Dream Up Font, Mixfont. Applies to: fontographer. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: generate shapes.
Dream Up is a Fontographer command for generating glyph shapes. Dream Up Font generates a whole font; Mixfont blends existing fonts. Keep these commands distinct and show any confirmed cost before the reader runs an operation. Generated shapes may need further editing.
Write: Dream Up generates the shapes, and you edit them. It spends Vexy coins.
Not: Dream Up creates a finished font for you in seconds.
See also: Fontographer, Vexy coins, glyph, Sigma
echo text¶
Also written: echo. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: repeated text.
Echo text makes a preview repeat the text of the current window, so the Preview panel or the TrueType hinting preview shows the same string you are editing.
Write: Turn on echo text in the Preview panel.
Not: Echo text follows the mouse.
Eraser¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
The Eraser removes or simplifies points on a contour. In FontLab, its modes remove nodes and handles, select points for removal, or simplify a path. In Vexy Vextra, normal Eraser removes covered points; Soft Eraser removes a node only when a replacement curve is close enough to the original. That does not guarantee an identical outline. In Fontographer, Eraser shares a grouped toolbar button with Trowel. Name the application and mode when describing an operation.
Write: In FontLab, the Eraser removes the nodes and handles under its radius.
Not: Rub out the bit you do not want.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab and Vexy Vextra use Eraser for point removal and contour cleanup. Their modes and controls differ. Vextra's Soft Eraser uses a closeness test rather than promising exact shape preservation. Fontographer groups Eraser with Trowel, so a procedure needs to identify the active mode.
See also: Pencil, Knife, node, contour, Scissors
expand filter¶
Also written: expand filters. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: bake filter into contours.
Expand filter bakes a live element filter, such as Smart Corners, Skin or a boolean Fusion, into plain contours. The filter parameters are no longer editable afterwards.
Write: Expand the filter to hand the contours to a colleague.
Not: Expand filter removes the shape.
See also: Live Effect, Smart Corner, expand stroke
expand stroke¶
Also written: expand brush. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: bake stroke into contours.
Expand stroke converts a stroked centerline, or a brush applied to a contour, into plain filled contours. The live stroke or brush is gone afterwards and the result can be edited node by node.
Write: Expand the stroke before you export to TrueType.
Not: Expand stroke keeps the stroke editable.
See also: stroke, Brush, expand filter, expand transformation
expand transformation¶
Also written: expand transform. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: bake transformation into contours.
Expand transformation writes an element's live transformation, such as scaling or rotation, into the node coordinates. The element then has an identity transformation and its contours carry the geometry directly.
Write: Expand the transformation before you round the coordinates.
Not: Expand transformation resets the element.
See also: element, expand filter, Transform
feature¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A feature in OpenType editing identifies typographic behavior implemented by substitution or positioning lookups. Feature tags are literal identifiers and remain unchanged in translation.
Write: A feature in OpenType editing identifies typographic behavior implemented by substitution or positioning lookups.
Not: Use feature without identifying its meaning in context.
Fills¶
Also written: fill, fill mode. Applies to: fontlab, vexy-lines, vexy-linestra, vexy-playlines. Translatable: yes.
In FontLab, the Fill tool sets enclosed regions as filled or unfilled by changing contour direction or applying a live Fill filter. In Vexy Lines, Linestra and Playlines, a fill mode is a method for generating artwork from an image, such as Halftone or Stipple. Name the application and distinguish the tool, the filled region and the generative mode.
Write: In Vexy Lines, the Halftone fill turns the image into dots.
Not: Pick a fill and the image is filled in.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: the Fill tool controls which regions appear opaque or transparent. Vexy Lines, Linestra and Playlines: a fill mode generates artwork from a source image. Use the product name when either meaning could be intended.
See also: fill mode, winding direction, Brush, Fill Grid
FontAudit¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
FontAudit is the FontLab panel that inspects outlines and reports the problems a proof will show later: unclosed contours, wrong winding directions, missing extreme nodes, near vertical segments, and the like. You run it over a glyph or a selection, read the findings, and fix what matters for the design rather than clearing every warning. In English write the FontAudit panel on first mention. Localized UI may transliterate the name into its writing system; keep the name distinct from a generic audit command. Preserve FontAudit in code and identifiers.
Write: You open the FontAudit panel and review the findings on the selection.
Not: Font Audit will fix the outline problems for you.
See also: winding direction, extremum, contour, panel
FontLab account¶
Applies to: all. Translatable: yes.
A FontLab account is the identity used to sign in to FontLab services and manage licences. Keep the capital L in FontLab and lowercase account in English. Translate the common noun account while preserving the FontLab name. Distinguish the account from a licence, subscription or payment when more than one appears in the same explanation.
Write: Sign in with your FontLab account at pass.fontlab.com.
Not: Your Fontlab account will be needed for signing in.
See also: FontLab, FontLab Pass, pass.fontlab.com, Vexy coins
Fusion¶
Also written: boolean filter. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: Welder.
Fusion is FontLab's live boolean filter on an element group: add, subtract, intersect or exclude the overlapping contours while the parts stay editable. Intersect keeps only the overlap; expand the filter to bake the result.
Write: Apply Fusion and choose Intersect.
Not: Fusion merges the glyphs into one font.
See also: Remove Overlap, expand filter, element
Genius node¶
Also written: Genius. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: self-balancing node.
A Genius node keeps its curves smooth and balanced automatically when neighbours move; FontLab adjusts its handles for you. A Follower node follows key nodes under Power Nudge. Both are FontLab names, rendered in each language's house voice.
Write: Make the extremum a Genius node.
Not: A Genius node is a smart corner.
See also: node, Servant node, Power Nudge, handle
grid¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A grid is a set of regularly spaced reference lines or points used to position drawing objects. Keep it distinct from a mesh used for deformation.
Write: A grid is a set of regularly spaced reference lines or points used to position drawing objects.
Not: Use grid without identifying its meaning in context.
Groups¶
Also written: group, styling group. Applies to: fontlab, transtype, vexy-lines, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
A group collects several things and treats them as one, and the things differ by product. In FontLab the word most often means a kerning group, the set of glyphs that kern alike, which the documentation also calls a kerning class. In Vexy Vextra, following Illustrator, a group is selected artwork bound into one object. In Vexy Lines a group bundles layers and carries its own source image, working like a folder. TransType adds a styling group that ties a family's styles into a menu. Say which you mean.
Write: In FontLab, the kerning group holds every glyph that kerns like the o.
Not: Add the glyphs to a group so they kern the same.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: a kerning group, the same idea as a kerning class. Vexy Vextra and Illustrator: artwork bound into a single object. Vexy Lines: a bundle of layers that carries its own source image and behaves like a folder in the Layers panel, with the document itself as the top-level group. TransType: a styling group that links the styles of a family. When context does not establish the sense, write kerning group, artwork group, layer group, or styling group.
See also: kerning class, styling group name, Layers, Transform, Fills
guide¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A guide is a reference line used to position or align drawing objects. Its name describes its role rather than a visible stroke in the exported glyph.
Write: A guide is a reference line used to position or align drawing objects.
Not: Use guide without identifying its meaning in context.
kerning mode¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The editing mode for adjusting spacing between pairs of glyphs. It changes pair adjustments rather than the individual glyph sidebearings.
Write: Use kerning mode when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
Knife¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-lines, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
The Knife tool works along a line you drag across a shape, and what it leaves behind differs by product and by sub-tool. In FontLab it adds nodes where the line crosses a contour, breaks a closed contour into open paths, or slices one contour into two closed shapes, depending on which of its three sub-tools is active. In Fontographer it cuts through contours along the drawn path. In Vexy Lines it inserts points and splits curves. Say which app, which mode, and what the cut leaves.
Write: In FontLab, the Knife tool slices the contour into two closed shapes.
Not: Use the Knife to cut things up.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: one tool with three sub-tools, Add nodes, Break contour, and Slice contour, so only Slice leaves two closed shapes and Break leaves open paths. Fontographer: cuts through contours along a drawn path, sharing the grouped cutting toolbar button with Scissors, and it can create more geometry than you expect. Vexy Lines: inserts points and splits curves on Handmade fills and mask contours. Vexy Vextra: adds nodes and breaks a path at a node. Name the app and the mode.
See also: Brush, contour, Transform, node, Scissors
layer¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A layer holds one drawing or part of a document. In FontLab, the context identifies the glyph layer; name the application when another product uses a different layer model.
Write: A layer holds one drawing or part of a document.
Not: Use layer without identifying its meaning in context.
Layers¶
Also written: layer, Layers and Masters. Applies to: fontlab, vexy-lines, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
Layers hold the separate drawings a glyph or a document carries at once. In FontLab a glyph layer holds one master, a mask, or a background, and you manage them in the Layers and Masters panel, where switching layers switches which drawing you edit. In Vexy Lines a layer is a transparent sheet holding one or more fills, and it is the basic unit of a document, since artwork needs at least one. The two meanings sit close enough to be mistaken, so a sentence about layers names the application.
Write: In FontLab, the Layers and Masters panel lists the layers of the glyph.
Not: Open the Layers panel and pick a layer.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: a layer of a glyph, holding a master, a mask, or a background, listed in the Layers and Masters panel. Vexy Lines: a transparent sheet holding one or more fills, the basic unit of a document, and the thing a group bundles. Vexy Vextra, following Illustrator: a stacking level of artwork. Name the app in any sentence where a reader could take one for the other.
See also: Masks, master, element, Groups, Fills
mark¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A mark in glyph positioning is a diacritical glyph positioned in relation to another glyph. A color mark or selection mark is a different interface meaning.
Write: A mark in glyph positioning is a diacritical glyph positioned in relation to another glyph.
Not: Use mark without identifying its meaning in context.
Masks¶
Also written: mask, mask layer. Applies to: fontlab, vexy-lines. Translatable: yes.
A mask holds a second drawing, and what it does with that drawing differs by product. In FontLab a mask is a glyph layer carrying a previous version or a reference shape, so you can compare the live outline against it and copy between them; it hides nothing. In Vexy Lines a mask is a vector stencil that decides where a layer's fills can draw, letting the fill through its transparent areas and holding it back elsewhere. Name the application, and in FontLab prefer the full phrase mask layer.
Write: In FontLab, you put the old outline on a mask layer and compare.
Not: Put the old outline on a mask so it gets hidden.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: a mask is a glyph layer carrying a reference drawing you edit against, and it conceals nothing. Vexy Lines: a mask is a stencil that decides where a layer's fills can draw, so its transparent areas reveal and its opaque areas hold back. Illustrator's clipping mask is a third sense again. Name the application when the surrounding context does not establish the intended sense.
See also: Layers, master, element, contour, Fills
match¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Match makes selected properties correspond. The object and context determine whether this means synchronizing edits, matching geometry or comparing values.
Write: Match makes selected properties correspond.
Not: Use match without identifying its meaning in context.
matching¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Matching describes objects or properties that correspond. Name the matched property when the interface context does not identify it.
Write: Matching describes objects or properties that correspond.
Not: Use matching without identifying its meaning in context.
Matchmaker¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: master matcher.
Matchmaker is a FontLab tool for examining and correcting correspondence between glyph masters. It helps align contour order and start points for interpolation. Matching structures does not guarantee that intermediate outlines look right. Inspect the resulting interpolation; changing contour order or a start point can change correspondence without changing the outline's geometry at the master location.
Write: You use Matchmaker to synchronize contour correspondence across masters.
Not: Matchmaker is a brand name that must stay English in every language.
See also: master compatibility, master, interpolation, node
measurement line¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A line that shows a measured distance in the drawing. Distinguish this geometric measurement from a metrics line used to calculate sidebearings.
Write: Use measurement line when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
measurements¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Values displayed on the canvas to describe geometry, such as coordinates, lengths, angles, tensions and counters. Showing measurements does not modify glyph spacing or font dimensions.
Write: Use measurements when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
Measurements panel¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The Measurements panel lists measured dimensions of the current font: stems, serifs, overshoots, contrast and heights, separately for capitals and lowercase. Its labels are compact; translations must not exceed the English length.
Write: Read the lowercase overshoot from the Measurements panel.
Not: The Measurements panel sets the metrics.
See also: stem, overshoot, panel
merge¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Merge combines items into a result. Name the items and explain what is retained when that distinction matters to the operation.
Write: Merge combines items into a result.
Not: Use merge without identifying its meaning in context.
mesh¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A mesh is a network of connected points or cells used to describe or deform geometry. It is distinct from a drawing grid used for alignment.
Write: A mesh is a network of connected points or cells used to describe or deform geometry.
Not: Use mesh without identifying its meaning in context.
metrics mode¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The editing mode for adjusting glyph advance widths and sidebearings. It changes the spacing of glyphs rather than the vertical dimensions of the font or the visibility of measurements.
Write: Use metrics mode when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
metrics table¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The table of glyph spacing values, including advance widths and sidebearings. It lets the user inspect or edit spacing values together.
Write: Use metrics table when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
metrics tool¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The tool that edits glyph advance widths and sidebearings. Use it to adjust glyph spacing; canvas measurement overlays display values without changing those spacing values.
Write: Use metrics tool when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
monospaced¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Monospaced describes text or a typeface whose ordinary spacing glyphs have equal advance widths. Marks and special glyphs can have different spacing behavior.
Write: Monospaced describes text or a typeface whose ordinary spacing glyphs have equal advance widths.
Not: Use monospaced without identifying its meaning in context.
multi-line¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Multi-line describes text or a control that contains more than one line. It does not imply more than one paragraph.
Write: Multi-line describes text or a control that contains more than one line.
Not: Use multi-line without identifying its meaning in context.
nonspacing¶
Also written: nonspacing element, nonspacing component. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: zero-width.
A nonspacing element or component is excluded from metrics: it stays visible and is exported, but FontLab ignores it when it computes the advance width and sidebearings. Detect nonspacing marks accents and other marks in composites automatically.
Write: Mark the accent component as nonspacing.
Not: Nonspacing elements have no width.
See also: element, component, composite glyph, metrics
Nudge¶
Applies to: fontlab, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: push move.
Nudge moves the selected nodes and adjusts the nearby handles so the curve keeps its shape. Power Nudge extends the move to more of the contour. Both are FontLab names.
Write: Nudge the node up by ten units.
Not: Nudge rounds the corner.
See also: Power Nudge, node, handle
Oblique¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Oblique is FontLab's action that slants a layer and applies a fixed set of optical corrections, so the result is closer to a designed oblique than a plain skew. Keep the name in every language; a plain slant is something else.
Write: Run Oblique on the upright master.
Not: Oblique is the same as slanting the glyph.
panel¶
Applies to: all. Translatable: yes.
A panel groups related controls or information within an application's interface. It may be docked or floating, depending on the application. Use its displayed name followed by panel in lowercase, as in the Kerning panel. Distinguish panels, windows, dialogs and panes by their role and established product terminology, not solely by whether they float, dock or contain tabs.
Write: You set the value in the Kerning panel.
Not: If it floats, it cannot be a panel.
See also: property bar, dialog, Layers, Transform
Pencil¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-lines, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
The Pencil tool draws freehand, and what it draws on differs by product. In FontLab it converts a freehand gesture into curves and line segments without asking you to think about node types. In Fontographer it is one of three outline drawing tools, beside Pen and Rapid. In Vexy Lines it creates and edits Handmade fills as vector lines. In Vexy Vextra it is the Correcting Pencil, which redraws part of an existing path as readily as it starts a new one.
Write: In Vexy Vextra, the Correcting Pencil redraws the part of the path you trace over.
Not: Use the Pencil to sketch the shape.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab and Fontographer: a freehand tool that draws glyph contours, grouped in Fontographer with Brush and Thickness on one toolbar button. Vexy Lines: draws the vector lines of a Handmade fill. Vexy Vextra: the Correcting Pencil, which redraws part of an existing path rather than only starting a new one. Name the app, and in Vextra use the full name Correcting Pencil.
See also: Brush, Knife, Eraser, contour, Fills
Power Brush¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: power calligraphic brush.
A Power Brush is a brush whose width can vary along the contour through thickness points. It stays live until you expand it. The name is FontLab's, rendered in each language's house voice.
Write: Apply a Power Brush and adjust the thickness points.
Not: A Power Brush is the Brush tool.
See also: Brush, Power Stroke, expand stroke
Power Guide¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: power guideline.
A Power Guide is a guide that nodes can link to, so moving the guide moves the linked nodes with it. FontLab uses it to keep a stem or a height consistent across a glyph. Each language renders the name with the same playful power.
Write: Link the stem nodes to a Power Guide.
Not: A Power Guide snaps to the grid.
See also: node, Power Nudge
Power Nudge¶
Applies to: fontlab, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: power push move.
Power Nudge distributes a move through a larger part of a contour by adjusting other nodes as well as the selected ones. FontLab and Vextra provide this editing mode. It differs from Nudge, which adjusts nearby handles. Power Nudge changes the geometry; inspect the result rather than promising an exactly preserved outline or a finished curve.
Write: Use Power Nudge to distribute the move through more of the contour.
Not: Power Nudge preserves the exact original outline.
See also: node, handle, Tunni line, Smart Corner
Power Stroke¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: power stroke outline.
A Power Stroke is a stroke whose thickness varies along the path, controlled by thickness points you place with the Thickness tool. The related Power Brush does the same for a brush. Both are FontLab names, rendered in each language's house voice.
Write: Convert the stroke to a Power Stroke and vary its thickness.
Not: A Power Stroke is a thick stroke.
See also: stroke, Power Brush, expand stroke
project¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A FontLab project is the editable font document, including the active document in save/close prompts and the document saved to a VFJ/VFC file or project folder or connected to GitHub. Use the project term consistently in this UI. Do not call it a package. Python packages, UFO Packages, Glyphs Packages, and web-font distribution packages are different concepts and retain their format/software terminology. Internal package identifiers and file extensions are not translated.
Write: Save the project before closing it.
Not: Save the package before closing it.
property bar¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The property bar is FontLab's context-sensitive strip of controls for the current tool or selection. Name the required selection or tool before referring to a control that appears only in that context. Use property bar for this product element; do not invent a universal rule that all toolbars have fixed contents.
Write: With the node selected, set the coordinate in the property bar.
Not: Set the coordinate in the toolbar at the top.
See also: panel, dialog, node, Transform
quick measurement¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The function that displays measurements near the pointer while editing outlines. It reports geometry on the canvas without changing the glyph spacing values.
Write: Use quick measurement when describing this specific concept.
Not: Use one name for glyph spacing, font dimensions and canvas measurements.
See also: metrics
Rapid¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
The Rapid tool draws smooth paths with clicks and drags. Rapid is the tool's name, not a description of its speed. Keep Rapid in Latin-script languages; use the core memory's phonetic spelling in other scripts.
Write: Draw a contour with the Rapid tool.
Not: Translate Rapid as Fast or use the name Rapidograph.
Shared noun. Name the application.
The contrast classifications Vertical rapid and Horizontal rapid describe how stroke contrast changes. They are not references to the Rapid tool.
redo¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Redo reapplies an operation that was undone. Repeat invokes an operation again and is a separate command.
Write: Redo reapplies an operation that was undone.
Not: Use redo without identifying its meaning in context.
reference¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A reference points to another object rather than being an independent copy of it. Name the referenced object when the context does not identify it.
Write: A reference points to another object rather than being an independent copy of it.
Not: Use reference without identifying its meaning in context.
Remove Overlap¶
Applies to: fontlab, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: merge overlapping contours.
Remove Overlap combines overlapping filled contour regions and removes their internal boundaries. It changes contour structure, so keep an editable source when the construction matters. Variable fonts can contain overlaps; removing them independently from masters can break point correspondence and interpolation. Apply the command or export option for the intended format and workflow, rather than treating it as mandatory for every font.
Write: Keep overlaps in the interpolation masters when removing them would break compatibility.
Not: A variable font cannot contain overlapping contours.
See also: contour, winding direction, autotrace, element
repeat¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Repeat invokes an operation again. Keep it distinct from Redo, which restores an operation after Undo.
Write: Repeat invokes an operation again.
Not: Use repeat without identifying its meaning in context.
reverse contour¶
Also written: reverse direction. Applies to: fontlab, fontographer. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: flip drawing direction.
Reverse contour flips the winding direction of a contour. PostScript and TrueType outlines use opposite conventions, and a contour that runs the wrong way fills or unfills the wrong region.
Write: Reverse the inner contour so the counter is empty.
Not: Reverse contour mirrors the glyph.
See also: winding direction, contour, counter
Scissors¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
The Scissors tool works on the joins in a path, and what it does with them differs by product. In FontLab it disconnects nodes into overlapping contours, creates overlaps, adds simple ink traps, and builds looped corners, with a toolbox of sub-tools under the Q shortcut. In Fontographer it breaks contours at selected points or segments, the targeted counterpart to Knife. In Vexy Vextra it extends and rebuilds path parts, building loop corners and joining open ends.
Write: In Fontographer, Scissors breaks the contour at the point you select.
Not: Cut the shape with the scissors.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: disconnects nodes, creates overlaps, adds ink traps, and builds looped corners. Fontographer: breaks a contour at a chosen point or segment, sharing the grouped cutting toolbar button with Knife. Vexy Vextra: extends and rebuilds path parts, joining open ends and building loop corners rather than only cutting. The name suggests cutting in every app and means something different in each, so name the app.
See also: Knife, node, contour, Eraser, Pencil
Servant node¶
Also written: Follower node, Follower, Servant. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: Follower node.
For localization, read the legacy English source label Servant node as Follower node: a follower physically following a leader. This node follows the movement of neighboring key nodes when you move them with Power Nudge, so a whole feature moves together. Translate the motion-following role; the servant and social fan/supporter metaphors are obsolete. The English term and servant-node identifier remain compatibility lookup keys.
Write: Translate the legacy label with the language's term for a Follower node.
Not: Translate the node as a servant, fan, supporter or social-media subscriber.
See also: node, Genius node, Power Nudge
Sigma¶
Applies to: fontographer. Translatable: no.
Sigma is the Fontographer tool for variable font interpolation paths, sitting in the toolbar beside Transform and Meter. You use it to work with how a design moves through its variation space rather than to edit a single outline. The name is a single capitalized word and it does not take the word tool inside its name: write the Sigma tool. It is a Fontographer term with no counterpart in the other products.
Write: You open the Sigma tool to work on the interpolation path.
Not: The sigma tool can be used for interpolation purposes.
See also: Fontographer, interpolation, variable font, Matchmaker
Sketchboard¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: scratch canvas.
The Sketchboard is FontLab's unlimited canvas, a working surface where you can place glyphs, drawings, and reference images side by side outside the fixed frame of a glyph window. You use it to compare shapes, to sketch before committing, and to lay out material that has no single glyph to live in. The name is one word, capital S, and it is a FontLab term: no other product in the family has the surface or the word.
Write: You place the reference drawings on the Sketchboard and compare them.
Not: The sketchboard can be used for the comparing of shapes.
See also: panel, element, glyph, Layers
Skin¶
Also written: skin filter. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: wrapping outline.
Skin is a FontLab live filter that wraps a contour with a stroke of variable thickness, or cuts it into dashes. Expand the filter to get plain contours. Each language renders the name in the house voice.
Write: Apply Skin to outline the letter.
Not: Skin changes the glyph color.
See also: Live Effect, expand filter, stroke
smart¶
Also written: Smart Pencil, Smart Link, smart fill. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: clever.
Smart prefixes FontLab features that decide details for you: Smart Corner, Smart Filter, Smart Pencil, Smart Link, smart fill. Usually translate the word as clever with a hint of cunning. Follow separately approved feature names: the Russian and Ukrainian Smart Filter terms are explicit exceptions.
Write: Add a Smart Filter to the Font window.
Not: The intelligent filter finds the glyphs.
See also: Smart Corner, Smart Filter, Live Effect
Smart Corner¶
Also written: Smart Corners. Applies to: fontlab, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: clever corner.
A Smart Corner is a live treatment applied at a node, so a corner can be rounded, cut, or turned into an ink trap without the outline being redrawn. The treatment stays editable: change the value and the corner updates, and the underlying contour keeps its nodes. You apply it at the node rather than to the whole contour. FontLab groups it with Ink Traps among its live filters, and Vextra carries the same name.
Write: You apply a Smart Corner at the node and set the radius.
Not: Smart Corners are applied so that corners can be rounded.
See also: node, Power Nudge, contour, Live Effect
Smart Filter¶
Also written: Smart Filters. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A Smart Filter selects glyphs in the Font window using a saved condition. It filters the glyph list rather than changing outlines or applying graphical effects. Follow the language core for its name: Russian and Ukrainian have explicit feature-specific translations that differ from other Smart names.
Write: Add a Smart Filter to select glyphs by their properties.
Not: Apply a Smart Filter to round the outline.
spacing controls¶
Also written: metrics controls. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: side space handles.
Spacing controls are the on canvas handles in the Metrics tool that let you drag sidebearings and advance widths directly in the text.
Write: Drag the spacing controls to adjust the sidebearings.
Not: Spacing controls set the kerning.
See also: sidebearing, advance width, metrics
sticker¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A sticker is a visual note you place on a glyph in FontLab, such as a checkmark or a comment, to mark work in progress. Stickers are annotations, not font data, and are not exported.
Write: Put a sticker on every glyph that still needs spacing.
Not: Stickers are exported as color layers.
tab¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A tab selects one page or document within a set. A tab character in text is a different meaning and must retain its literal representation in code.
Write: A tab selects one page or document within a set.
Not: Use tab without identifying its meaning in context.
text element¶
Also written: text shape, string. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: text block.
A text element is a live element that renders a string of text from another font inside a glyph. Expanding it converts the letters into contours; FontLab uses it for placeholders and quick layout tests.
Write: Insert a text element and expand it later.
Not: The text shape is a type of guide.
See also: element, expand stroke
thickness¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Thickness is the geometric distance across a stroke or shape. It is distinct from a typeface weight classification or weight axis. Identify what is measured before choosing a localized term. An applied outline stroke has its own thickness; a letter stroke or stem has an anatomical thickness. The horizontal and vertical stem values used for hinting measure letter parts, even when their help describes the thickness of a stroke.
Write: Thickness is the geometric distance across a stroke or shape.
Not: Use thickness without identifying its meaning in context.
Transform¶
Applies to: fontlab, fontographer, vexy-lines, vexy-vextra. Translatable: yes.
Transform moves, scales, rotates, slants, or flips a selection. In FontLab the Transform panel applies a numeric transformation to glyphs, elements, or a selection, and it can run across a whole font. In Fontographer the Transform tool sits in the toolbar beside Meter and Sigma. In Vexy Lines the Transform tool manipulates artwork on the canvas. A panel, a tool, and a tool again: name the app and name the surface.
Write: In FontLab, the Transform panel scales every selected glyph by the same factor.
Not: Use Transform to scale your glyphs.
Shared noun. Name the application.
FontLab: the Transform panel, a numeric transformation applied to a selection or across a font. Fontographer and Vexy Lines: a Transform tool on the canvas. Say whether you mean the panel or the tool, and name the application, since the same word points at three different surfaces.
See also: Knife, Layers, Groups, element
transformation¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
A transformation changes geometry, for example by moving, scaling, rotating or skewing it. Transform names the operation; transformation names the change.
Write: A transformation changes geometry, for example by moving, scaling, rotating or skewing it.
Not: Use transformation without identifying its meaning in context.
True Fill¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: final black rendering.
True Fill is a Glyph window view that renders the glyph as it will fill when exported, honoring contour direction and overlaps, instead of the editing preview. Each language renders the name in the house voice.
Write: Switch to True Fill to check the counters.
Not: True Fill removes overlaps.
See also: winding direction, Remove Overlap, fill mode
uncheck¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Uncheck clears a selected checkbox. The resulting behavior depends on the option controlled by that checkbox.
Write: Uncheck clears a selected checkbox.
Not: Use uncheck without identifying its meaning in context.
Vexy coins¶
Applies to: fontographer. Translatable: yes.
Vexy coins are credits used to pay for applicable Fontographer operations. Keep Vexy capitalized and coins lowercase in English. The common noun may translate around the protected Vexy name. State a confirmed charge before the reader performs the operation, and distinguish the credit balance from money, a licence or an account.
Write: Dream Up spends Vexy coins from your FontLab account.
Not: This action will use up some of your vexy Coins.
See also: Fontographer, FontLab account, Dream Up
waterfall¶
Also written: waterfall preview. Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes. Fallback original term: size ladder preview.
A waterfall shows the same glyph or text at a series of sizes, one line per size, to judge spacing and rendering across sizes. The Preview panel and the TrueType hinting tool provide one.
Write: Check the waterfall from 8 to 24 PPM.
Not: The waterfall lists the glyphs.
See also: PPM, echo text, panel
weight¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Weight describes the relative heaviness of a typeface or a value on its weight axis. It is distinct from a measured stroke thickness.
Write: Weight describes the relative heaviness of a typeface or a value on its weight axis.
Not: Use weight without identifying its meaning in context.
whitespace¶
Applies to: fontlab. Translatable: yes.
Whitespace is text made up of spacing characters rather than visible letterforms. Preserve literal characters when they form part of code, keys or file content.
Write: Whitespace is text made up of spacing characters rather than visible letterforms.
Not: Use whitespace without identifying its meaning in context.