Using Metafont To Design Fonts For Latex Documents

What is Metafont and Why Use It?

Metafont is a font design system created by Donald Knuth that enables mathematicians and type designers to define vector font shapes programmatically. Unlike other font editors that rely on manual tweaking of glyphs, Metafont uses a scripting language to define curves, strokes, and other geometric shapes required for each letterform.

There are several key benefits to using Metafont for designing fonts to be used in LaTeX documents:

Integration with TeX - As LaTeX is built on top of Knuth's TeX typesetting system, Metafont fonts can tap directly into TeX's advanced typographic features.
Precision - The fonts render with extraordinary precision at large point sizes, ideal for mathematical and scientific notation.
Flexibility - Almost any glyph shape imaginable can be defined using Metafont's drawing commands.
Consistency - Mathematical and technical fonts require certain consistencies between glyphs that are easier to enforce programmatically.

Installing and Configuring Metafont

Before starting any font design work, you will need to install Metafont and configure your system properly:

Table of Contents

Acquire and install a TeX distribution like TeX Live which includes the Metafont compiler.
Set the search path to locate METAFONT inputs and outputs appropriately.
Install optional fonts and macros for accessing existing fonts.
Understand key Metafont concepts and rules that impact output.

Anatomy of a Metafont File

Embedding Font Metrics

All Metafont fonts must define certain font-wide metrics like x-height, caps height, ascender and descender positions which establish standard heights and depths for each glyph. These metrics help determine default stroke widths and positioning of curve points when drawing glyphs.

Defining Glyph Shapes

The bulk of the Metafont code defines the outlines for each glyph using path drawing commands. Primitive shapes like circles, rectangles and polygons serve as building blocks. Outlines should be defined within bounding boxes sized based on the global font metrics.

Specifying Font Dimensions

In addition to glyph paths, certain parameters must be set to establish default stroke thicknesses, height and depth of smaller glyph features, font dimensions like caps height and x-height, and optimal spacing between letters.

Design Principles and Best Practices

When undertaking a new font project, adhering to established practices can help achieve professional, high quality results.

Consistency in Stroke Widths

Maintain discipline in applying consistent stroke widths across glyphs - caps, lower case, numerals and symbols alike. Stroke thickness impacts perceived weight and darkness of font.

Spacing Between Glyphs

Always tweak sidebearings and kerning pairs methodically to achieve even inter-glyph spacing. Well spaced fonts have legible, harmonious appearance.

Managing Overlap

Eliminate overlaps between contours whenever possible. When overlaps are intentional, manage with care as improper overlaps can make finishing difficult.

Walkthrough: Creating a Simple Sans Serif Font

To synthesize what we have learned, let's step through a simplified creation process for a sans serif font:

Set up key font metrics like x-height, caps height based on target font size.
Define straight vertical and horizontal strokes to serve as basis for many glyphs.
Draw basic letter shapes like O, n using predefined strokes.
Develop remaining lower case glyphs based on n, o.
Create uppercase, numerals and punctuation based on metrics and existing shapes.
Refine glyphs to match font aesthetic, improve alignments, etc.
Set sidebearings and kern pairs to space words evenly.

Importing Fonts into LaTeX

To make use of the font in LaTeX documents, the files must be properly packaged and installed. This involves:

Generating a DVI font bitmap at specific point size from the Metafont source.
Creating a LaTeX font definition file specifying font name, encoding and metrics.
Installing files such that TeX distribution can locate them.

Troubleshooting Common Font Issues

Some frequent challenges and remedies:

Inconsistent stroke weights - Redefine stroke commands relative to global metrics.
Uneven spacing between letters - review and adjust sidebearings and kerning pairs methodically.
Glyph filled in black - Check contour directions and "fill" rule usage.
Letterforms look "weak" or "distorted" - Revisit adherence to font metrics and use of guidelines.

Additional Resources for Font Design

To learn more about crafting fonts with Metafont, consult:

The Metafontbook by Knuth - definitive guide from the system inventor.
Fonts & Encodings by Tug.org - in-depth coverage of LaTeX font use.
Metafont Wiki at CTAN - examples, packages and documentation.
LaTeX Font Catalogue - database of available and incompatible fonts.