User Guide

FontLab 4
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V e c t o r P a i n t Mo d e
VectorPaint is FontLab’s unique set of tools that allow you to paint vector
contours with tools that look and feel like bitmap tools. You can choose
brushes, pens, freeform selections and even enter text. The idea of Vector
Paint is that all the tools produce contours that combine with the existing
glyph contours using our unique contour-processing technology.
When you click the VectorPaint button in the toolbar, a VectorPaint
toolbar will appear where you can select one of the VectorPaint “sub-tools”:
The type of interaction between existing and new contours depends on the
selected color mode. This process is very fast and is completely transparent
to you, so if you switch on the preview mode (where the glyph appears
filled), the illusion of bitmap-like editing of a contour-based glyph image is
very realistic.
All the tools can work in 4 different color modes:
Transparent Newly created vector objects that are generated by the
application of Vector Paint tools do not interact with the
existing glyph’s contour and appear selected for easy editing.
Automatic The color of the brush depends on the point where you begin
drawing. If you begin in a white area, a white brush will be
selected, if in black, a black brush will be selected. Use this
color mode to easily extend white or black areas of the glyph.
Black Generated contours are added to existing contours, expanding
the black area of the glyph. It looks like a black brush applied
to a black picture.
White New contours are subtracted from existing contours,
simulating a white brush.