Testing now Rob Thanks!

Rob you said that your test revealed that the plug-in is looking here
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Photofonts\
I created a new folder in C:\Program Files\Common Files\ named Photofonts
I placed all the images inside that folder and tried this...(without any slashes as the plug-in adds that already)

That didn't work so i tried these "..\ABCD.png" and "/ABCD.png" and "../ABCD.png" and "\ABCD.png"

None of which worked.
I also tried the full path with no luck.

Each shape is actually 2000x2000 pixels in size. I wonder if i should make them smaller say 500x500 pixels?
I thought the xml code would call the image and center the contents, then size it to bbox sizes. They are all glyphs on transparency.

Tried resizing to 500x500 and tried this code

That also did not work.

I think you are right the plug-in is disabled for importing images.
So i guess my first answer was correct...time to try LISP ''

I appreciate you and ZWard117's help.

I took an existing photofont I downloaded and replaced the mime information of the embedded image with different mime information of an image of the same size (used inkscape to get the mime encoded image) and it worked.

Though it is a pain that it seems photofonts can't be unloaded or reloaded... I've had to keep changing the names in the file so it doesn't complain that the photofont is already loaded.

-Rob A>

GOT IT!! Grab yer linen and get to grinnin folks!
I do not know what the deal is with the common programs directory it calls.Unless that's for all users?
Here is the code that i needed to get it to work...



The image/grassy sub directory folder group is in the My Documents>Photofonts folder.
So apparently the plugin calls from the My Documents>Photofonts sub directory.
I wanted to do it this way because now a user can place all the different images in their own respective folders within a image directory within the Photofonts folder.Just to keep things tidy. I had to make sure that would work.


Okay it works...
Now to make a PHF file that will take an entire alphabet of image glyphs and install it.

But first another test ---- i used 500x500 pixel images i need to test the 2000x2000 ones for better higher quality text images.

Now that is cool news Rod. I definitely appreciate your effort and all those who know how to code. Look forward to your new toy when you feel it is ready for prime-time.

Glad to hear that you got it working. Can't wait for the entire code and to start working on it.

So just to confirm - that is where you installed the 8bf plugin?

-Rob A>

No the plug-in is installed correctly in my 8bf folder and linked with PSPI.
When the PHF and image directories are added to the MY Documents>Photofonts directory and the shape system tag used it works.

The tree is like this

Photofont PHF document -
C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner.FAMILY-ROOM\My Documents\Photofonts

IMAGES -
C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner.FAMILY-ROOM\My Documents\Photofonts\images\YourImageFoldersHere

I have created a template for most glyphs which includes the path for each letter and numbers 0-9
Also paths to common used symbols are present. I used this as a test template and the text seems to kern well.However some tweaks may need to be made via Gimp after you create your text. I am hoping to get the bbox and base settings correct for all glyphs used according to the template i provided.I a working on that now.
Here is the xcf attached. Let me know if you want more symbols within the template.


I left the text layers intact so changing font face will be easier.Then just alpha to select and select to path.
Then you just need to edit>stroke path with paint brush.

This is of course only going to work on Windows for now. Sorry folks.
You may also need to tweak your unicode id's (map id for each unicode)
When you type out your text in Photofont Start you will know if you have it wrong when you type ? and get something else.

You can open any phf file to get a basic id nap list like this -

OK Rod; when are you going to release your effort? Does it require an XCF? Not sure how it's going to work, so, hope you have a tut when it's ready for primetime.

The XCF template will only be needed to create each of your PhotoFonts. You can change fontface or text within that template.Just keep the size the same and guides must stay where i have them.All glyphs need to be created within those guide boundaries.
As soon as i have the phf done i will release it.
The phf will have all the basic stuff inside all the user will need to do is add the correct image folder and file path.
(edit the code line for glyph src directories)
So to install a font all the user will need to do is create each glyph image, place them in a folder like say My Paperclip Font, and then place the phf file in the My Documents>Photofonts folder
Each image will have to be named according to the phf file glyph tags

<glyph id="A"> <--- map id - this must be the same as the map ids within unicode mapping tags
<image id="v0" type="photo"> <---- tells plugin the font is color and has transparency
<shape system="images/grassy/A.png"> <--- shape image name (can be changed by user)
<ppm int="480" /> <---- max range for size
<bbox x="20" y="-5" width="940" height="990" /> <---- coordinate values for font placement
<base x="-20" y="398" /> <---- base line values (bottom of font coordinate)
<delta x="444" y="0" /> <---- placement of top corner of font i think
</shape>
</image>
</glyph>


I am trying to have all these values set except image directory name and reference directories.These will be up to the user to change.


So long story short to install you need only create the images.
Edit the phf file to direct pstart to them - place it in the correct directory...
Place the images in the correct directory so pstart can find them (My Documents>Photofonts>images> directory)
Run the pstart within pshop or Gimp and install through the plugin interface.

Should be a pretty easy install really.Just a little editing on the users part for image location/reference.

I will include a PDF with the phf file.

Final release will contain
Tutorial PDF on font template (XCF) and installing
XCF template
PHF basic file

Keep in mind i have yet to get anything over 500x500 to work. I will work on that in the next version.

Thanks for all your support and help folks! This will be a benefit to everyone using these cool PhotoFonts within their artwork.Photofonts can also be used in webpages and detected by spiders as TEXT!

Cool plus there.

Okay here is the latest news.

It was touch and go to get the type to line up correctly so the entire glyph would show.Either the top and bottom were cut off or just the bottom.
You will be happy to know i have figured that out also.Here are some image examples so you can see what i mean.






So now i can build the glyph blocks from these values and any glyphs created from the template will work.
That is to say PhotoStart will show the entire glyph image.

Next i will add all the glyph blocks with the current values and it should be ready.

Now that's one cool looking twisted font you are creating Rod. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Actually i needed something quick and dirty so i grabbed the candy cane animated hose.
First i created a new layer - selected the brush and set the size to .25
Then i selected the A Path and did a stroke path...
Then a quick path to selection shrink by 7 and stroke again
then shrink by 7>stroke with brush about 2 more times to get the entire font filled.

Worked pretty good. I may finish it and include it with the first phf installer.

Do you have any progress on the job ?

Not as of yet MareroQ. I am still working on a new 8bf plugin that will except larger image files (not just 480)
So high def fonts can be created.
It (the phf/xml) works pretty good the way it is though. Just try and use the XCF template and stay within those sizes and you should be okay.
I did finally receive my Photo Objects 25,000 in the snail mail too.They said they lost my email...
Nice tiff images of objects i can use for Photofont glyphs. So i will be creating some more soon.
I will keep you updated on the PhotoFont.8bf i am working on in Filter Meister also.I need to contact the author of the original 8bf for some information on the code, and hopefully they will release it.

Thank you, Rod.
I have a request to add: small letters to the template XFC ?

I will try and get that added to the next release.

As for me, is one of the most interesting topics!
When thinking about the next version?
No lower case letters-it is not a problem to create.
But - wait for a full set of your authorship?

by Graechan

Graechan if you have the images all created and the PHF file edited to point to them you need to only make sure the PHF file is in the folder OR install the phf through Filters>Fontlab>Photofont Start> install photofonts button. Point to the phf file you edited and you should be all set. Photofont will copy the phf file and move the copy to your folder for you.

But i have gotten Steampunk 1 finished as an embedded file (see separate topic) if you would like that for now. 2 and 3 i will work on soon.