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fredl65064644
fredl65064644
Known Participant
October 25, 2019
Answered

Fractions only working for glyphs

  • October 25, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 2330 views

I was under the impression that OpenType fractions would turn any combination of numbers with a "/" into a fraction, but apparently not so. So, looking it up, I created a "fraction" style using the grep formula (\d/\d), and this works fine on converting non-stacked numbers to existing glyph fractions (e.g., it turns standard 1/4 or 1/2 into stacked fractions) but it doesn't work with fractions not already in glyphs (e.g., 1/3 or 1/8). Isn't OpenType fractions supposed to do this?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer John Mensinger

    "Isn't OpenType fractions supposed to do this?"

     

    No. Open Type is just a font format; not a reactive software routine. To make any combination into a fraction, you need a script.

    I would recommend: https://www.danrodney.com/scripts/properfraction.html

     

     

    3 replies

    Jeff Witchel, ACI
    Community Expert
    Jeff Witchel, ACICommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 25, 2019

    Here's the secret to automatic OpenType Fraction: Grep Style for Fractions 

     

    fredl65064644
    fredl65064644Author
    Known Participant
    October 25, 2019

    That only works for fractions included in the glyphs. Couldn't get it to build non-glyph fractions (e.g. 1/3).

    fredl65064644
    fredl65064644Author
    Known Participant
    October 25, 2019

    Hm! Interesting, works fine for me using Myriad Pro. What typeface are you using?

     

    Please see screenshot below.

     


    Tarzana wide and narrow OTF.

    It has only 3 stacked fractions in its glyphs.

    J
    Community Expert
    Jeffrey_SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 25, 2019

    John Mensinger
    Community Expert
    John MensingerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 25, 2019

    "Isn't OpenType fractions supposed to do this?"

     

    No. Open Type is just a font format; not a reactive software routine. To make any combination into a fraction, you need a script.

    I would recommend: https://www.danrodney.com/scripts/properfraction.html

     

     

      fredl65064644
      fredl65064644Author
      Known Participant
      October 25, 2019

      This works well--simple to install. Thanks. 
      Suggestion: InDesign really should have a built-in script for this--it is such a common need. I'm amazed that they have left this feature to 3rd parties--not good.

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