====== Bitmap Fonts ======

So you already have a huge library of True Type fonts ... so why would you use Bitmap fonts?

Well for starters Bitmap fonts let you create Photoshop quality text effects ... //in Photoshop//!!

{{:bmfont.png?200|}}

===== What's good about Bitmap Fonts =====
  * They render and update quicker on your watch!
  * You can use your favorite photo editor, e.g. Photoshop, GIMP, to create high quality effects: shadows, gradients, blur, etc

===== What is a Bitmap Font? =====
  * Made up of 2 files, e.g. Metal.fnt and Metal.png
  * The .fnt file is the font definition which specifies supported characters, e.g. A-Z, and the size of each character in the spritesheet
  * The .png file is a spritesheet with all your characters - this can be edited in Photoshop
  * See example files at the bottom

===== How to build a Bitmap Font? =====
  * There are apps for PC, Mac and web that will help :
  * [[http://kvazars.com/littera/|Littera]] Web Based Free ... (Use Format: Text .fnt)
  * [[http://www.bmglyph.com|bmGlyph]] Mac Paid
  * [[http://www.angelcode.com/products/bmfont|AngelCode]] PC Free

===== Tips =====
  * Aim for a png resolution of under 1000x1000
  * Remember watches can crash if you send textures that are too large
  * Create text at the smallest size that will look good on your watch
  * Don't generate characters you won't use, e.g. lowercase letters, punctuation, etc.

===== Using Bitmap fonts in WatchMaker =====
  * Copy both the .png and .fnt files to the folder BeautifulWatches/fonts_bm/
  * Customize a watch
  * Select a text layer
  * Select Font -> Bitmap Font and you should see your new font!

===== Example Bitmap Font =====
  * You can play with this metal font, e.g. change the png file and save to WatchMaker :
  * [[http://androidslide.net/images/metal.txt|Metal.fnt]]
  * Metal.png:
  * {{:metal.png?200|}}