New algorithm: Italify – optically corrected obliques

SCarewe
SCarewe Posts: 26
edited March 25 in Type Design Software

After almost four years of working on and off on an algorithmic approach to optically corrected obliques, the completely overhauled Italify is ready.

With the initial version of the plugin, which is still publicy available, I was running into too many issues due to the approach. It was using a basic slant/rotate mix, which deformed the height of outlines and lost horizontal extremes.

So I developed a completely new algorithm, which is purely geometry-based, without any rotation involved. That means: No stem info required, works with removed overlaps, and even works on quadratic curves if necessary (though not implemented yet). No nodes are removed/added, so master compatibility is guaranteed. Horizontal extremes are perfectly maintained. If you’re wondering about vertical vs. italic extremes, I recommend this Typedrawers topic.

Like the first Italify, curves are corrected as well as diagonal stems (think k, v, w, x…).

Currently, the algorithm is available on a service basis. The long-term goal is to make this a public Glyphs plugin, but there is still a very long way to go.

So, if you have a sans-serif font and can’t bear the thought of making your italics manually, here is your solution. Sources must be in Glyphs format. Get in touch for pricing and further information.

E-mail: sebastian.carewe at gmail dot com

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Comments

  • ok_locksmith_8414
    ok_locksmith_8414 Posts: 7
    Would this work on a nonstandard UPM? I am working on a typeface with a 1500 UPM. 
  • James Puckett
    James Puckett Posts: 2,042
    Congratulations on getting so far with this!
  • SCarewe
    SCarewe Posts: 26
    @ok_locksmith_8414 yes. It works on any UPM, and even works with custom subdivisions.
  • SCarewe
    SCarewe Posts: 26
    In case anybody is curious about results, here is a Google font I forked to make an oblique with Italify. The italified masters are in the main file, not the (old) Italic file, which you can use for comparison. The backgrounds contain the purely slanted paths.

    Instrument Sans
  • Christian Thalmann
    Christian Thalmann Posts: 2,056
    edited 4:48PM
    The long-term goal is to make this a public Glyphs plugin, but there is still a very long way to go.
    That would be awesome! Isn't it already better than the built-in Italicize?
    Meanwhile, I find myself manually skewing my italicized glyphs to the top left and bottom right, one by one...

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