Variable Fonts and Instances

Create static font targets at named or custom locations in a design space.

TransType 5 produces static targets from variable and compatible
multi-master sources. It does not export a new variable font.

OpenType variable fonts

When TransType opens a variable .ttf, .otf, or .ttc face, it reads the
variation axes and named instances. Each named instance is materialized as a
static target in the font list. Its target retains a connection to the
original variable source so more locations can be added.

The static instance generator pins the selected axis coordinates, removes
variable-only tables, and keeps the resulting outlines, metrics, layout, and
other applicable static font data.

If the source has no named fvar instances, TransType creates one initial
Regular target at the default axis coordinates.

Add a custom location

Select one or more targets that all belong to the same OpenType variable
source, then choose File > Add Instance….

The dialog provides:

  • One slider and exact numeric field for each axis.
  • The axis name and four-character tag in the control tooltip.
  • A live preview of the selected coordinates.
  • A preview-size control.
  • A suggested style name that you can edit.
  • Regular, Italic, Bold, and Bold Italic style-link choices.

Changing a slider or numeric value updates the preview and suggested name.
TransType refuses to add another target at a location already present in the
font list.

Development and multi-master sources

Compatible VFB, VFC, VFJ, Glyphs, designspace/UFO can
carry masters, axes, and exportable instances. TransType adds their exportable
instances as targets. If a selected target has more than one master and usable
axes, Add Instance… creates another exportable instance.

For these sources, TransType interpolates compatible outlines and associated
instance data. The export path also interpolates advance widths, font-wide
metrics, and compatible OpenType kerning for the chosen location.

Instance-aware inspection

The font list, text preview, and Glyph Map render the target location rather
than always showing the default master. The Dimensions panel reflects
interpolated metrics when they are available.

Current limitations

  • Output profiles generate static fonts only.
  • The OpenType variable-font scanner is invoked for .ttf, .otf, and
    .ttc, not for WOFF2 input.
  • Hidden axes are preserved internally but omitted from the Add Instance
    controls.
  • Interpolation requires compatible source data. Incompatible outlines,
    components, or kerning can be omitted or reported as an import/export
    problem.

Review naming after adding a custom location; the suggested style name and
style link are heuristics, not a substitute for family QA.