8 ms·
The original truetype font was vector based but had to be legible at small font sizes. Apple created hinting in the late 1980s that worked well on macs. I belie
by maire 7y ago
The original truetype font was vector based but had to be legible at small font sizes. Apple created hinting in the late 1980s that worked well on macs. I believe Microsoft added better rasterization about a decade later.
- Jasper_ 7y agoThe "small font problem" was practically unsolved until Adobe invented and patented declarative hinting in Type 1. Before, bitmap fonts were used. The bytecode stack machine for hinting used in TrueType, designed by MS/Apple, was specifically designed to not infringe on Adobe's patents. Only when hinting became an option did vector font representation become viable at all for printing. Digital vector font display was accomplished much later.
- maire 7y agoWhile you are correct about Adobe Type 1 fonts, you are incorrect on display fonts. Apple System 7 had vector display fonts. There were issues on windows which is why Microsoft (and likely Adobe) improved TrueType. Adobe later responded with Adobe Font Manager which is likely what you are referencing.
- Jasper_ 7y agoOops, I meant to say that TrueType was designed by MS/Apple to avoid Adobe's patents, not "MS/Adobe". Fixed the typo; thanks for the correction!