[CoreText] Algorithm naming table

Question

JeremieBergeron OP

Created Jun ’22

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Views 1.3k

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Hi,

I would like to know if it would be possible to share me the algorithm how CoreText pick the the family name, full name, etc in the naming table https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/typography/opentype/spec/name#name-ids for TrueType and OpenType Font.

If this can help you understand what kind of information I am looking for, here is FontConfig algorithm:

Sort naming table in ASC in this platformID, nameID, platEncID, isEnglish(), langID
isEnglish() is a method that return True if the name = {platformID: 1, langID: 0} or {platformID: 3, langID: 0x409}
Split the naming table in table that only contain one type of platformID.
Finally, search nameID the user want in that order: MICROSOFT, APPLE, MACINTOSH, ISO and that the first match.

Or, if you prefer code example, here is FontConfig algorithm in python: https://github.com/moi15moi/fonttools/blob/add-strategy-naming-table/Lib/fontTools/ttLib/tables/sortNamesStrategy/FontConfigStrategy.py

Why do I want to know that? I would like to implement the way the way CoreText picks up the name in fonttools. Here is where I discuss about it: https://github.com/fonttools/fonttools/pull/2636

Thank you

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Answer 1

Claude31 OP

Jun ’22

I doubt you can get access to the source code. It is not open source but Apple property. And you are forbidden to disassemble it.

0

Answer 2

JeremieBergeron OP

Jun ’22

And you are forbidden to disassemble it.

That's why I am asking. I don't want to do anything illegal.

I don't necessary want the code, only the algorithm/logic behind it. With it, I could support how CoreText detect what is the family name in a font.

If you are not familiar with the naming table, in brief, a table can contain more than 1 family name, but CoreText will choose one name in particularly. I would like to know how it choose it, so I can provide a good support with CoreText.

0