{"id":28921,"date":"2024-03-22T13:47:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T10:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/?p=28921"},"modified":"2026-05-15T10:17:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T07:17:01","slug":"open-type-font-features-how-to-use-them-in-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/blog\/open-type-font-features-how-to-use-them-in-design\/","title":{"rendered":"OpenType Font Features: How to Use Them in Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fonts feature numerous hidden capabilities. However, many designers either don\u2019t know they exist or don\u2019t understand how to use them. In fact, nobody hides anything, and all the tools are very easy to find. The main thing is to know what exactly you are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explore the topic of Open Type functions (also known as OpenType features): what they are, what they can do, and how to use them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are OpenType Features?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OpenType features are these exact \u00ab\u00a0hidden capabilities\u00a0\u00bb\u2014a set of\u00a0tools integrated into a\u00a0font. They have several objectives that can be\u00a0subdivided into technical and artistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenType itself is a font file format developed by Microsoft and Adobe. It combines the best of TrueType and PostScript technologies while introducing advanced features for typography. The OpenType specification defines how fonts are structured, stored, and accessed, enabling compatibility across operating systems and devices. This specification also allows for extensive support of character sets, complex scripts, and typographic refinements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The technical<\/strong> OpenType attributes tools are meant to improve the layout. Font developers most often want their font to work smoothly and be user-friendly. That\u2019s why they do everything to give designers seamless control over the entire typeface\u2019s functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The artistic<\/strong> features are stylistic sets and alternates, which allow designers to fine-tune the font to fit the project and modify it to convey a particular message or character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Convenience is a distinctive feature of fonts with embedded OpenType features. Compared to the TrueType format, OpenType fonts offer significantly more capabilities, which we\u2019ll explore in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do OpenType Features Work, and What Are Their Types?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore the existing OpenType features and how to utilize each function effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stylistic sets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One typeface often contains multiple variations of\u00a0the same letters. For example, single and double-story \u00ab\u00a0a\u00a0\u00bb are two alternate forms of\u00a0one character. There can be\u00a0a\u00a0lot of\u00a0them\u2014the number is\u00a0only limited by\u00a0the font designer\u2019s imagination. Many of\u00a0these alternates have purely graphic, artistic functions, but some have practical applications. For instance, the lowercase letter \u00ab\u00a0l\u00a0\u00bb (\u00ab\u00a0L\u00a0\u00bb) with a\u00a0tail is\u00a0often needed for the navigational purpose of\u00a0not confusing it\u00a0with the uppercase \u00ab\u00a0I\u00a0\u00bb (\u00ab\u00a0i\u00a0\u00bb) because they look very similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some alternate forms often have similar key traits, which unite them into groups called stylistic sets. Stylistic sets are collections of characters with a common alternate form. You can use stylistic sets to transform the font\u2019s personality; for example, you can turn a neutral sans serif into something soft, fun, and even playful\u2014all that just by changing the forms of particular characters. However, the possibilities of stylistic sets go beyond just individual letters: if we want to change the forms of periods, all the numerous characters that have dots in their construction will be transformed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

They are most often gathered into a whole set to avoid replacing each letter separately, which would be very time-consuming in the case of a large text file or a book. Simply turn on the set, and all the characters in the entire text block will be modified. This is a very convenient feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ligatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ligatures are characters constructed by visually linking several glyphs. They can be standard or discretionary. Standard ligatures, such as fi, fl, ff, ffi, ffl, and ft, are featured in almost every font. They fulfill practical functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Discretionary ligatures are primarily decorative and can involve any combination of letters, depending on the author\u2019s imagination and the project\u2019s specificity. Any characters a designer wants to combine, seeing a practical and aesthetic meaning in this, turn into discretionary ligatures. Among them, you can discover highly unusual solutions that can become one of the most distinctive features of your design project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Figures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many fonts feature special characters based on figures, such as fractions. The number of combinations for fractions is almost limitless. There are numerous variants of small figures, like subscripts and superscripts, including numerators and denominators that form part of fractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many fonts also have tabular figures, the ones with identical widths. Roughly speaking, these are \u00ab\u00a0monospaced figures.\u00a0\u00bb They are very convenient to\u00a0use when it\u2019s essential to\u00a0have every figure in\u00a0the succeeding line exactly beneath the figure from the line above, like in\u00a0tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another fascinating designer tool is circled figures. There are two kinds: black and white circled numbers. These figures are usually included in stylistic sets and serve for decorative purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In addition, there are old-style figures. They differ in form from the modern, familiar ones and can be used to give your project a historical feel. This kind of figures goes well with the old-style currency symbols, another feature integrated into many fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Icons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u00a0is\u00a0very common for fonts to\u00a0contain basic icons or\u00a0unusual symbols. Lately, the number of\u00a0typefaces featuring such little \u00ab\u00a0images\u00a0\u00bb has been growing rapidly, as\u00a0they can reflect and unravel the font\u2019s personality. This is\u00a0a\u00a0feature of\u00a0many modern fonts. Moreover, the icons and symbols added to\u00a0the typeface are the most suitable graphics for the specific font. The main advantage of\u00a0icon sets is\u00a0that designers don\u2019t have to\u00a0draw additional illustrations or\u00a0any other graphics to\u00a0match the font\u2014they are already there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In more adaptable fonts, you are likely to find a neutral and familiar icon pack. However, display<\/a> typefaces may feature distinctive images and associations of a font designer with a particular project. The icons\u2019 alignment with the typeface\u2019s mood is an important characteristic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language localization features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When working with different languages, designers are often unaware of the font functions available for such tasks. Languages are typically switched in the Character tab, like in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, not all programs allow to switch languages this way. In such cases, you can use localization sets that can be turned on in Adobe Illustrator through OpenType features and in Figma through stylistic sets. Localization works similarly to replacing alternates through stylistic sets: in the entire highlighted text fragment, the standard letters are substituted with the characters without Unicode from the enabled language. By opening the list of stylistic sets in the OpenType features tab, you can see the localization sets (right after the sets with alternate glyph forms). They will be titled using the name of the language for replacing the standard letters with Unicode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use OpenType Font Features in Different Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, it\u2019s time to find out how to turn on the above-mentioned features in different programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Adobe software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adobe Illustrator<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To\u00a0open the OpenType panel, go\u00a0to\u00a0the \u00ab\u00a0Window\u00a0\u00bb tab and select \u00ab\u00a0Text\u00a0\u00bb > OpenType.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then, in\u00a0the window that appears, click on\u00a0the icon with three horizontal lines (in\u00a0the top right corner). In\u00a0the dropdown menu, select \u00ab\u00a0Stylistic Sets\u00a0\u00bb\u2014this will show you a\u00a0list of\u00a0stylistic alternatives and localization features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adobe InDesign<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In\u00a0the \u00ab\u00a0Properties\u00a0\u00bb tab, select the OpenType button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the window that appears, you\u2019ll see a list of all available features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Select the \u00ab\u00a0Stylistic Sets\u00a0\u00bb option to\u00a0view a\u00a0list of\u00a0all stylistic alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adobe Photoshop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Select \u00ab\u00a0Character\u00a0\u00bb > OpenType. In\u00a0the window that appears, you\u2019ll see a\u00a0list of\u00a0all features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Figma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Figma, stylistic sets can be turned on through the panel Text > Type Settings > Details. Many designers don\u2019t know how many interesting tools this tab contains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Word <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even Word partially supports these features. In\u00a0the \u00ab\u00a0Format\u00a0\u00bb tab, choose the \u00ab\u00a0Font\u00a0\u00bb option. Then, click on\u00a0the \u00ab\u00a0Advanced\u00a0\u00bb settings button to\u00a0see stylistic sets and figure forms. You will also be\u00a0able to\u00a0turn on\u00a0superscripts and subscripts. In\u00a0Word, the process of\u00a0working with OpenType features is\u00a0more complex and less convenient, given that this isn\u2019t graphics or\u00a0design software. However, even there, you can use some of\u00a0the fonts\u2019 hidden powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Specimen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To learn what OpenType features are available in the typeface before purchasing it, you can take a look at the font\u2019s specimen. They are usually showcased on the website where you buy the font. The specimen contains all the capabilities of the typeface, examples of the font in different point sizes, its styles, and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Customization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every font can be customized to get a unique look. In the examples above, you saw how several stylistic alternates can dramatically transform the font\u2019s character. When you make changes to certain glyphs, the entire font acquires a unique personality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, you can customize the font so\u00a0that all basic glyphs that have such a\u00a0possibility are replaced with their alternate forms, completely transforming the mood of\u00a0the typesetting. Suppose you like a\u00a0particular font but want to\u00a0replace the single-storey \u00ab\u00a0a\u00a0\u00bb with the double-storey one. In\u00a0that case, you can simply replace the glyphs that use basic (single-storey) \u00ab\u00a0a\u00a0\u00bb with an\u00a0alternate set with double-storey \u00ab\u00a0a\u00a0\u00bb and maintain the integrity of\u00a0the entire design system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Read our article \u00ab\u00a0Font Customization<\/a>\u00a0\u00bb to\u00a0learn more about the ways to\u00a0customize fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, OpenType features significantly expand the capabilities of working with a typeface and unlock its full potential. We hope this article will help you make the most of the font\u2019s hidden capabilities and give your design unique visual traits! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fonts feature numerous hidden capabilities. However, many designers either don\u2019t know they exist or\u00a0don\u2019t understand how to\u00a0use them. In\u00a0this article, we\u00a0will explore the topic of\u00a0OpenType features: what they are, what they can\u00a0do, and how to\u00a0use them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":36953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[188],"class_list":["post-28921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-work-with-fonts"],"acf":{"show_sidebar":true},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28921","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28921"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52074,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28921\/revisions\/52074"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}