I'm having trouble figuring out if it’s possible to create a multiple master font from two separate weights of one font. I have designed a bold and a light version both in their own separate files. Is it possible to create a multiple master file from the two individual files?
This is my first attempt at multiple master, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
—B
Yes you can. Open both in FontLab Studio and go to Tools>Blend Fonts… and select Build the Multiple Master font.
That should get you started. Read up on or experiment with the different panel options, and look in the FontLab Studio manual about the requirements of compatible outlines/contours etc.
Once you figure all that out look into Prepolator and Superpolator which is a superior way of building out multiple weights/styles.
Make sure each glyph has the same number and type of nodes. Also the start point must be in the same location.
I would recommend ignoring the 'Blend" feature and use the older "Mask-to-Master" Technique.
Assign one of your font to the mask layer of the other. I find it easiest to assign the light weight to the mask layer of the bold. Use the Mask to master command, pick the MM Instance you want to be replaced by the Mask and make sure you check "Do not insert points"
All of this is in the FL manual. I learned how to do it by reading the instructions contained therein.
Some more threads that deal with this question:
http://typophile.com/node/46967
(see James' step-by-step explanation, this is the way to go)
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