Visual TrueType 6.0 introduces the capability to export and import all hinting code to a separate XML file. There are a number of scenarios this enables:
· Moving hints to a different font: You can export the hints from one fully-hinted font and import them to another compatible font (i.e. it must have the same number of glyphs in the same order with the same number and order of points in each glyph). An example of this is moving the hints from a Regular weight to a Condensed weight. While this can save a lot of time creating hints, you still should proof all glyphs at all sizes in all weights of the typeface family. (You must copy the Control Program separately; see note, below).
· Bulk editing: You can export hints, then edit the XML in an external text editor, then re-import those hints back to your original font, with those modifications. For example, you might use the external editor to do a regular expression find & replace.
· Regenerating
a font: While hinting a font, designers sometimes need to go back and make
outline modifications. While VTT does enable some point manipulation, it is
sometimes better to go back and modify the original source in a font editor and
regenerate the font. In this case, designers can export hints from their
TrueType font to an XML file, edit the original source in the font editor,
generate a new TrueType file, then import the XML file, and then carry on
hinting.
Note: this technique only works if the glyph order and point order is
preserved. If the glyph order changes, then the hints in the XML file will
reference the wrong glyphs. Similarly, if the point order or number of points changes
in a glyph, then the hints for that glyph will refer to the wrong points.
· Archival storage: The XML gives a plain text representation of all the hinting work in a font.
Note: At this time, VTT does not export the Control Program to XML. The XML currently only contains the Font Program, Pre-Program, and all VTT Talk and Glyph programs.
To export all hinting data:
1. Select the Export submenu of the File menu and choose “All code to XML”.
2. Choose a location to save the file.
3. Type a filename.
4. Click Save.
To export all hinting data:
1. Select the Import submenu of the File menu and choose “All code to XML”.
2. Select the XML file to import.
3. Click Open.