User Guide

it’s a lot nicer when the columns of numerals line up. In
addition, some programs (like Macromedia FreeHand) can
vertically align arbitrary text.
Equalizing the sidebearings is easy: choose “Equalize
Sidebearings” from the Metrics menu.
Advanced Metrics operations
Fontographer really tries to create a civilized shell for the
rather technical problems posed by font metrics. Set Width,
the Metrics Window, and the Easy modes of Auto Space
and Auto Kerning are examples of that. However,
Fontographer also has a “you asked for it, you got it”
metrics area, where we bring out the heavy-duty stuff.
These commands are, by and large, not particularly intuitive,
unless you already have a solid background in typography.
The vast majority of our users will be able to do everything
they need to do just splendidly by using the other tools. So
we really advise most people to sort of ignore this stuff (the
signpost in the Wicked Witch of the West’s haunted
forest—“I’d turn back if I were you”—applies here). But if
you insist, feel free to explore the bleeding edge in
computerized font metrics. Consider yourself forewarned!
Set Metrics
Set Metrics is the funny uncle of Set Width. In addition to
the width, you can set left and right sidebearings as well.
You can apply values to specific sets of characters, and
there are lots of controls for incrementally increasing and
decreasing various fields. Here is what the Set Metrics
dialog looks like:
Fontographer User's Manual
5: Metrics: Spacing and Kerning Page #20