A tool to create and manage a custom font. For example creating a sketch for each character

[Francesco_P]

A tool to create and manage a custom font. I am thinking of the possibility of creating a sketch for each character of the font, so that it can be used to shape writings or logos, that update in real time by changing the font.

[tbraxton]

It is possible to use custom true type fonts in Creo Parametric. These fonts can be used for logos as well as individual characters. I have used TTF fonts specifically to insert company logos into Creo models, and it works quite well. By using the TTF from the corporate graphics department, it ensures that the logos comply with requirements. There are usually different logo geometries dependent on how the logo is created.   Molded vs printed for example so keep this in mind when considering how to implement this.

[MartinHanak]

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@Francesco_P wrote:

A tool to create and manage a custom font. I am thinking of the possibility of creating a sketch for each character of the font, so that it can be used to shape writings or logos, that update in real time by changing the font.

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Hi,

in case that you mean PTC proprietary fonts please open https://www.ptc.com/support/-/media/support/refdocs/Creo_Parametric/12/installguide120.pdf?sc_lang=en document.

Then go to page 106 and read Using Fonts chapter.

Note: No software tool for proprietary font editing is available.

[Francesco_P]

Hello Martin, I am familiar with those pages of the installation guide but it seems like a very difficult technique to use for a designer or engineer. It would be incredibly useful, and I am referring to all those designers, for example, of tires or products obtained from molding where aesthetics are very important and there is a long and demanding development process during which the individual characters of a font can be modified multiple times to meet marketing needs. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to have a tool where the user could sketch a figure for each character, creating a font within Creo, which could then be used to model text and that would update if the user were to modify the font again.

[MartinHanak]

Hi,

I understand your point of view. Unfortunately if you need such tool, then you have to create it by yourself...

[tbraxton]

Perhaps it is not clear from my previous post on this that a TTF font can be used to define geometry (not alpha numeric characters) that can be directly used in a Creo sketch. Given this a TTF font can be used to satisfy the requirements outlined in your question. The only difference is that the TTF editing is not done within Creo Parametric. TTF is the best method I am aware of to deal with this issue.

If you confer with the experts designing the logos, you will see that they have designs tools specifically for creating what is needed and can export it as a TTF for use in Creo.

[KenFarley]

I've done this kind of thing, using specific TTF fonts and combining them with geometry in order to create a feature that is our company logo. I have a saved sketch of it so when necessary I can use it to engrave the logo into tooling, finished parts, trade show displays, etc. I've even used it to make an electrode to EDM the shape into a part. To be honest, the part that required the most work wasn't the text, but the spline-based logo geometry.

[Francesco_P]

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@tbraxton wrote:

The only difference is that the TTF editing is not done within Creo Parametric. TTF is the best method I am aware of to deal with this issue.

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If the font is managed externally to Creo Parametric, every change requires several tedious and repetitive operations. This greatly increases the time. Have you ever noticed how many markings there are on the side of a tire?

[MartinHanak]

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@Francesco_P wrote:

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@tbraxton wrote:

The only difference is that the TTF editing is not done within Creo Parametric. TTF is the best method I am aware of to deal with this issue.

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If the font is managed externally to Creo Parametric, every change requires several tedious and repetitive operations. This greatly increases the time. Have you ever noticed how many markings there are on the side of a tire?

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That's just the way it is, life isn't always easy.

[Francesco_P]

Thank you Martin for this life lesson! 😉

[tbraxton]

..."every change requires several tedious and repetitive operations."...

This has not been my experience with using TTF fonts, I have been able to integrate TTF fonts into a workflow and drive the logos and text parametrically such that they update upon regen.  The one caveat I will note is that the font definition is not saved with a model so you will need to have access to the font at any time the model regenerates.

You do have to think about your workflow to best leverage the technique no matter what the approach.

If you are having difficulties within Creo there is no reason why the text/logo geometry must be defined within Creo. I have used references to camera ready artwork files such that no logo geometry is within the Creo environment. You can quite simply identify the location and orientation of artwork within a Creo model using a cosmetic sketched boundary which locates the artwork.

[anursingh]

Hi @Francesco_P,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question. 
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

Thanks,
Anurag  

[RPN]

You can compile and uncompile PTC fonts. 

With uncompile you get the src file. Here you will have to enter plot data (pen up, pen move). In the early days I used this to have a European 1 with an additional line top left. You can create based on this a complete new font. Uncompile usassci to get the src. But it may a lot of work if do not have the point data. See doc, executables are in the machine folder.