(web2c.info)Metafont

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5 Metafont: Creating typeface families
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Metafont is a system for producing shapes; it was designed for producing
complete typeface families, but it can also produce geometric designs,
dingbats, etc.  And it has considerable mathematical and
equation-solving capabilities which can be useful entirely on their own.

   Metafont is a batch language, like C or Pascal: you compile a
Metafont program into a corresponding font, rather than interactively
drawing lines or curves.  This approach has both considerable
disadvantages (people unfamiliar with conventional programming languages
will be unlikely to find it usable) and considerable advantages (you can
make your design intentions specific and parameterizable).  For a
complete description of the Metafont language, see 'The METAFONTbook'
(Note: References).

mf invocation

Invoking Metafont.

Initial Metafont

Making bases.

Modes

Device definitions for Metafont.

Online Metafont graphics

Seeing MF output online.

gftodvi invocation

Making proofsheets for fonts.

mft invocation

Prettyprinting Metafont sources.