Cross-platform font handling, and why you don't want to do it

[Bob Sneidar]

I did some testing. It only happens when loading font files for the first time in a Livecode session from a script on MacOS. Once the font files are loaded, I can close and reopen the stack and the appearance is correct.

It does NOT happen on Windows, nor does it happen with any fonts that are installed in the system.

But it gets worse. The fonts do not get included in a MacOS standalone, even when I add them to the Copy Files section of the Standalone Application Settings of both the splash stack, and the main stack.

Custom Font Support needs a real overhaul. I have already submitted an issue with support.

Bob S


On Sep 6, 2022, at 10:13 , Bob Sneidar via use-livecode <use-livecode at lists.runrev.com<mailto:use-livecode at lists.runrev.com>> wrote:

Sorry to drag this thread on, but it appears that using embedded fonts is worse that I first imagined.

After I had set all my label fields to Acme, I repositioned them so that they were contacting the field to the right of them, and I right aligned them all so they had a consistent look.

I just noticed however that when I quit Livecode, then relaunch it and open the stack, all the text of the labels appear out of alignment! If I open the Property Editor and select the Font tab, then click one of the labels in Edit mode, the text realigns correctly! As I click each label, that text also realigns. If I set a label to the default system font, this does not happen.

That sucks. Big time. At this point I do not know if it is just this particular font, or if it happens to all embedded fonts, but I am fairly taken back.

Bob S