0506 Test your font files

Font Testing and Validation

Importance of Font Testing

  • Fonts are software that need thorough testing before release.

  • Large foundries employ dedicated teams and proprietary tools for validation.

  • Ensures font files are functioning properly and are safe for users' systems.

Independent Designer Responsibilities

  • As an independent designer, it’s crucial to validate font files to ensure quality.

  • Utilize available tools and services to test your fonts.

Validation Process

  • Validation: The process of testing for well-formed font files.

  • Primary validation tool: Font production software.

  • Common tools for font validation include:

    • Glyph's App: Performs validation during font generation and reports errors.

    • FontForge: Open-source font editor with validation capabilities.

    • Microsoft Font Validator: Standalone tool testing against Microsoft font file standards.

    • Font Book (Mac): Utility to validate fonts before installation.

      • To validate:

        • Choose "Validate File" from the file menu.

        • Locate and open the font file.

  • Font Book provides detailed validation reports but is not a correction tool.

Fixing Errors

  • Always fix any validation errors using font production software.

  • Once validated and corrected, install the font for use across various software.

Testing Across Applications

  • Verify font appearance and functionality in:

    • Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

    • Microsoft Office programs.

    • Any software with a font menu.

  • Key Tests:

    • Check if the font appears in the font menu correctly.

    • Ensure all characters can be set and glyphs appear as designed.

Testing on Different Systems

  • If possible, test fonts on multiple computers to assess various circumstances.

  • The more diverse your testing environments, the more confidence you develop in the font’s performance.

Preparing for Reseller Submission

  • If selling fonts through resellers, understand their submission guidelines.

  • Confirm if you are responsible for technical testing to ensure the font is functioning properly.

  • Emphasize crafting tools that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically flawless.