Flash CS3 Documentation

Developing Flash Lite 1.x Applications > Working with Text and Fonts > Embedding font outlines in SWF files

Embedding font outlines in SWF files

To render a text field's font, Flash Lite can either use fonts that are available on the device or use font outlines that are embedded in the published SWF file (for more information, see Font rendering methods in Flash Lite). Embedding font outlines in the SWF file ensures that the text field's font appears the same on all target platforms, but results in larger file size. Flash Lite requires font outlines to render either bitmap (no anti-alias) or anti-aliased text.

For static text fields that use the anti-alias or bitmap font rendering methods, Flash automatically embeds the font outlines required to display the text field's contents. For example, if a static text field contains the word Submit, Flash automatically embeds the font outlines required to display those six characters (that is, S, u, b, m, i, and t). Because the contents of a static text field can't change, the SWF file need only include fonts outlines for those specific characters.

For dynamic and input text fields that use the anti-alias or bitmap font rendering methods, you must specify the characters whose font outlines you want to embed in the published SWF file. The contents of those types of text fields can change during playback; consequently, Flash can't assume which font outlines need to be available. You can include font outlines for all characters in the selected font, a range of characters, or specific characters. You use the Character Embedding dialog box to specify which characters you want to embed in the published SWF file.

To embed font outlines for a dynamic and input text field:

1. Select the dynamic or input text field on the Stage.
2. In the Property inspector, select Bitmap (no anti-alias) or Anti-Alias for Animation from the Font rendering method pop-up menu.
3. Click the Embed button located next to the Font rendering method menu to open the Character Embedding dialog box.

   
   
   

4. Select the characters that you want to embed from the list, type the specific characters that you want to embed in the text box, or click Auto Fill to include the characters present in the selected text field.
5. Click OK.

Flash CS3