Converting True Type fonts

[dltakid]

This rookie wants to know the trick to converting True Type fonts into good looking letters. How do you correct lettering problems? I have a "W" for example that has very strange stitch angles at the peak of the W.

[YDCustom]

I find that almost all TT fonts need some careful editing. I usually just right click and convert to wireframe and sort of pull things around until it looks better (very unscientific, I know). I've actually scrapped a few TT fonts just because they auto-digitize so poorly that my limited digitizing skills can't fix them.

I'll be watching this thread closely to see if I can pick up any tips.

[Rod or Sharon]

YD....

No need to convert the entire line of lettering to wireframe. Sometimes yes, but most of the time no....

If you select the line of lettering and see the properties box around it on the screen, you will see each letter has an X on it, left click on the X on the letter you wish to edit and select "Wireframe editing" from the list. This allows you to move wireframe points, change it's size, density, underlay, etc, without affecting the rest of the line of lettering.


You are right, not all true type fonts work very well.....some, yes, but most take editing. The program pretty much uses the complex column to convert TT to embroidery.

dltakid.....

Try using you "Cornering tools" to either miter or cap the sharp angles in your lettering columns. Go into Properties for the line of lettering, in Ver7 you will see a tab marked "Corners", use this to select either miter or caps or both. In Ver 9 you go into Properties and select "Corners" from the drop down menu. You may need to tweak or delete some wireframe points in the sharp angles to actually make it miter or cap. TT conversions usually have a ton of excess wireframe points created in the columns that are not needed.

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[Chris & Cindy]

I edit the TT fonts I use over and over again in Alphabet Editor when time allows. It can take a while to go through the entire alphabet but it pays off in the end. When things are slow it gives me something productive to do.

[HERB]

I have had better luck with some fonts by starting with lettering in Corel Draw, then paste the vector into DS and auto or manual digitizing. DS treats the vector better than it does some TT's. In My Opinion...