Thursday's Tip: Using the new Thin Fonts with your Cutter and MTC

Question: What is a Thin Font? 
A Thin Font is a single-line font. A person can put a pen, crayon, or a number of tools right into the "claw" of a cutting machine rather than a blade and use the machine to "draw" instead of "cut". When you do that with a regular font (.ttf or .otf) the machine traces the outline of the font so rather than having a single line, you get a double line like this:

Sometimes that tracing effect is great! But sometimes you would be better off with out it. For example look at this traced doodlebat:

Answer: Thin Font (.opf) is created so your machine makes a single line rather than tracing. 

Question: What do I need to use a Thin Font? 

Answer: Currently, a thin font can ONLY be used in Make-The-Cut Cutting software. Besides, needing this software, you will also need a cutting machine that is capable of replacing the blade with a pen or embossing tool. 

To learn more about Make-The-Cut click here. Or if you are ready to buy Make-The-Cut, click here.

Question: How do I install a Thin Font?


Answer: Follow these instructions:
1. Purchase and download your thin fonts from LD
2. Install the .opf file in MTC 

There are a couple ways to do this. You can click on the .TTF button at the top of MTC

Or using the Text and Font window in MTC, click on the +TT button

Navigate to your downloaded .opf file and click open. Once it is installed it will show up in your Text and Font window like this:

Question: Now that it is installed, how do I use a Thin Font?

Answer: Simple use the "Add a group of characters" tool on the Text and Font window

Navigate to your downloaded .opf file and click open. Once it is installed it will show up in your Text and Font window like this:

From here on, you are on your own to choose what writing implement you will use in your cutting machine. Realize that every implement you choose will "draw" differently in your machine. A dull crayon will look very different from a fine marker. Have fun experimenting. If you have questions about how to use crayons, markers, pens, and other implements in your cutting machine, refer to your own instructions for the various machines.

Question: Why did I get a .ttf as well as a .opf when I purchased my thin font? 

Answer: A .opf is not visible in any program but MTC. You have a .ttf as a visual reference as well as something you can install as a system font on your computer 

However, these .ttf fonts are missing a lot of the characteristics that make a font fun and unique. If you are looking for fonts to install on your computer please browse our selection of actual fonts. Use the .ttf font only as a visual reference that can be viewed in Windows.

Question: Why would I want to use my cutting machine to draw my fonts or sketches rather than using my printer?

Answer: Your printer can only use printer ink. With your cutting machine you have endless possibilities like the following:

1. Using light colored or metallic paint pens (like white, gold, and silver) on black or very dark paper. This idea would be GREAT for addressing invitations!
2. Using colored pens to accent your cut projects
3. Using glue pens to lay down perfect lines of glue for glittering.
4. Using the embossing tools to emboss images or words.
5. Using glitter sketch pens Using crayons or pencils 

We are so anxious to see what all our creative customers can do with this new product. Please share your thoughts and ideas on our idea page or Facebook page. Visit Under a Cherry Tree to learn more about Thin Fonts with Jin as she explores this new product too!

Question:  How will I know what my thin fonts will look like?

Answer: You don't really. Many things will impact how this font looks. 

What paper you are using impacts the look of your thin font. A very textured paper will create a very textured font. It may even get difficult to read depending on the drawing utensil you used.

The writing untensil also impacts the look of the thin font. A crayon will create a waxy, childish version but as it grows dull, it will grow fatter and shorter, changing the look of the font as it goes. A sharpened pencil will look crisp to begin with but also will grow dull and need adjusting. Other things that impact the look? How thick or thin the tip is and whether or not the untensil bleeds on the paper.

We know you LIKE to know though...so we've created some samples to help you understand what it could possibly look like: