Pixel fonts look bad: how to smooth?

[NewToDesign]

I was wondering if anyone could help me.

I am totally new to this, and have been using Paint Shop Pro IX for practise. I am currently experimenting with new techniques, and have found when I make images and add text to that image, the text always looks awful, and so "pixelly" and fuzzy. Is there any way I can make this text have rounded curves?

I have already tried anti-alias, but the effect is negligible. If anyone could help me I'd be very grateful.

[Satchel]

Are you talking about a pixel font like this (http://www.dafont.com/visitor.font)? If so they are designed to be "pixelly"

[Broacher]

I suspect that you are just working in a low resolution space. What type of work are you trying to do?

[BJMRGTIVR6]

pixel fonts are meant for TINY type (6pt or less -some 8pt). they don't use unncessary pixels (rounded corners) because of a lack of space and because people can understand what the letters/words are.

Now, as stated above, it could be a resolution issue but pixel fonts are pixelly.

[Cyan_Ide]

If it is an issue of using pixel fonts, pixel fonts are only supposed to be scaled in multiples of 8 (8, 16, 24, 32, etc.) so that could be one problem. Another issue as far as Flash goes, is that the box you use to make them has to be on the whole number. I don't exactly have much experience with using pixel fonts outside of Flash and at very large sizes, but I know those are the rules I read about for Flash.

Here (http://www.actionscript.org/resources/articles/59/1/Using-pixel-fonts/Page1.html) is a tutorial page from Actionscript on using pixel fonts, but again that's Flash so I'm not quite sure how they work otherwise.

[NewToDesign]

I suspect that you are just working in a low resolution space. What type of work are you trying to do?

I am attempting an exercise whereby you make a web site button with some text on it. However, the text always looks "fuzzy".

I make the button no problem, then place text tool over the button image and type away, but the text looks poor quality.

I am using Paint Shop Pro IX

My settings when I make the button are:


resolution 1000
raster background
image dimensions 160x60
color-depth: RGB 8 bits/channel

Any help would be greatly appreciated. The end goal is a button with smooth text with no unsightly "pixelly" curves, or as few as possible.

[budafist]

I think the issue here is fonts that are going pixelated rather than actual pixel fonts.

What dpi are you working at?

[beseech wanton]

resolution 1000? is that a typo?!

[mattbing]

Internet res is always 72ppi.
If you're working in photoshop etc. you need to set your text to "none" antialiased.

If your using flash, make sure your x/y postioning is exact! So they should be like 52x and say 120y not 52.4x and 120.2y.

[Drazan]

two main things to know about PaintShop Pro.

1) all text layers have a slight transparency to them. Duplicate the layer then merge. (this also changes it to raster - I'll have another duplicate hidden as original to change text)

2) in the layers pallet you can "link" images together to move them around as one. This is different than grouping. Grouping in PSP is just the layers and you can still move individual pieces around.

Another tip is to make a layer for every single element you want. Then if you want to experiment with a layer, right click on that layer in the layers docket and duplicate. Hide the original by clicking on the "eye" in the layer. Then just manipulate your duplicate layer.

As far as the font issue. You are working in a raster based program. You will always have some pixilization in fonts. It may be the font you are working with is not good in any other size than originally designed. Typical of the 'free font' download places.

The Pixel fonts are squared off fonts that are normally used for micro text - 6pt, 8pt, and 10pt are usually maxed out. No matter what you do you will never round the corners unless you physically brush them in.

Select a different style of font that actually has rounded corners built in and you'll be much better off.

Set your page specs to 72dpi resolution for web page work.

I usually build mine with 1000x1000 space and 72dpi.

I've been using Jasc PaintShopPro since v2. Quite a program once you know it well.

=)
Jade

[NewToDesign]

Thanks guys, much appreciated :)