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.
When you use a font (.ttf or .otf file) on your computer, it will typically look something like this example (unless it is an outlined version of a font):
When you use a font (.ttf or .otf file) in the software of your cutting machine, it will trace the outside perimeter of each letter and typically look something like this example):
Thin fonts are created so that a cut machine does not trace the font but makes them with single strokes much like you would if you were writing.
IMPORTANT
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.
INSTALLING A THIN FONT
1. Purchase and download your thin fonts from LD
2. Install the .opf file in MTC
You can do this by clicking on the .TTF button at the top of MTC.
Or using the Text and Font window in MTC, click on the +TT button
3. 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:
USING A THIN FONT, AFTER INSTALLATION
Simply 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:
A text box immediately opens which will allow you to type, center, space and rotate your text. Once you click "accept" it will appear on your virtual mat.
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.
WHY IS THERE A .TTF INCLUDED IN MY PURCHASE?
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.
WHY USE A CUTTING MACHINE RATHER THAN MY PRINTER?
Your printer can only use printer ink. With your cutting machine you have endless possibilities like the following:
- 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!
- Using colored pens to accent your cut projects
- Using glue pens to lay down perfect lines of glue for glittering.
- Using the embossing tools to emboss images or words.
- Using glitter sketch pens
- Using crayons or pencils
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT MY THIN FONTS WILL LOOK LIKE?
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:
