[tex-k] [RELEASED] Pktrace 0.5 -- PostScript Type1 fonts for MetaFont

[Han-Wen Nienhuys]

INTRODUCTION

pktrace is a small Python program that lets you trace a PK font into a
PFA or PFB font (PostScript Type1). It is licensed under the GNU GPL.

Type1 fonts offer many advantages over bitmaps, as they allow
PostScript files to render correctly on printers with many
resolutions. Moreover, Ghostscript can generate much better PDF, if
given scalable fonts.

See http://www.cs.uu.nl/~hanwen/pktrace/ or download it at
http://www.cs.uu.nl/~hanwen/pktrace/pktrace-0.5.tar.gz



DISCUSSION

Why use pktrace over textrace? Pktrace is quicker, more cleanly
written and can be installed using standard methods.

How about MetaFog? MetaFog operates directly on the curves that
generate the bitmap font, its outlines will probably be smaller and
better. However, MetaFog is a proprietary product: its source code is
not available, and it will only run on a limited number of platforms.

How about MetaType1? MetaType1 is a very simplistic approach that puts
severe constraints on what may be done in a font program. It does not
work for fonts containing overlaps and shaped pens.


-- 

Han-Wen Nienhuys   |   hanwen@cs.uu.nl    | http://www.cs.uu.nl/~hanwen/