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M
markeeeee
Inspiring
April 24, 2023
Question

Subset Variable Font

  • April 24, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 1121 views

I'd like to use a Variable Font on a website, but I don't need all the axis or weights provided in the Variable Font. (For example I don't need the width axis or the lighter and heavier weights) Rather than have to use the complete font, which is a massive file size, is it possible to subset the Variable Font, so it only includes the axis and weights needed?

 

If not how can I request this feature?

 

UPDATE

Google Fonts allows the user to subset Variable Fonts – the axis used and the parameters within an axis. So for example, just the Weight axis and weights between 400 and 700. This would seriously reduce the often massive file sizes of Variable Fonts.

 

Can Adobe Fonts do the same?

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    1 reply

    Imaginerie
    Community Expert
    ImaginerieCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 24, 2023

    I don't think it's feasible within the realm of the licencing system in Adobe fonts (the subscribtion model)

    However you may want to ask to the invid=vidual foundry of they have a non-variable option for the same font or a way to disable certain features. Variable fonts are not "drawn" they are computed. Meaning the variation option is done by chganging features within the font itself (a bit like a .svg is a series of mathematical equation writen in code)

    Do you know which font is it?

    M
    markeeeeeAuthor
    Inspiring
    April 24, 2023

    Hi, yes the particular font I have in mind in Acumin. The variable font is a whopping 640kb. A 'static' Acumin font file is about 16kb. So to get any performance benefits of using the variable font I'd have to be using 40 versions of the static Acumin!!

     

    Acumin Variable Font has three axis: weight, slant and width. I don't need the last two, so I was wondering if it is possible to subset a Variable Font, so that it only included the axis that will be used.

     

    Surely this must be possible? Adobe Fonts already allows subsetting of the Character Set (Language subsetting and OpenType features). So why not the axis?

    Imaginerie
    Community Expert
    ImaginerieCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 24, 2023

    It's one of the very few typefaces developped directly by Adobe.

    Maybe you can try to ask directly in the website?
    https://www.adobe.com/products/type.html
    (adobe font is just the distribution arm of the fonts)

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