Visual TrueType uses the main stroke angle to optimize certain commands for italic characters. The computer assumes a default angle of 90 degrees, which is correct for Roman fonts. However, you must reset it for every italic font and—because the angle might vary slightly from one glyph to another—for every glyph in the font.
Use the Angle tool to set the angle of the main stroke:
Selecting the Angle tool turns the pointer into a protractor:
For convenience, you usually start at the left side-bearing point. Pressing the mouse button displays a straight line that rotates as you drag the mouse. For more control, drag up or down the line before rotating it. As the line rotates, Visual TrueType displays the angle of the line just below the status bar.
Unless Show Stroke Angle is selected on the Visual TrueType menu, the line disappears. However, you have set the angle.
Note When setting the italic angle, be sure to disable the Grid Fit and Pixels options in the Display Options dialog.
The main stroke angle of an italic character.
At any time, you can choose Show Stroke Angle to see the straight line that marks the current stroke angle. In addition, any time you click with the Angle tool, Visual TrueType displays the current stroke angle, as well as the line you’re rotating to set the new angle.
To set the stroke angle
1. In the Visual TrueType Options submenu of the Display menu, ensure that the Grid Fit and Pixels options are disabled.
2. Select the Angle tool by clicking its icon in the toolbar.
3. Position the pointer on the left side-bearing point or other location where you want to start measuring from.
4. Press and hold down the mouse button.
5. Drag to rotate the angle line until it corresponds to the angle of the glyph.
To display the current stroke angle
1. On the Visual TrueType menu, click Show Stroke Angle.