#bitmapfont

Source code for the XMotif BDF Editor xmbdfed now on codeberg https://codeberg.org/drj/xmbdfed I've cleaned it up from the 4.7 release in 2004 so that it compiles in 2026, and fixed a few typos. For me it now compiles on Raspberry Pi OS, but you may need to tweak the Makefile. You'll also need its dependencies: libfreetype libxmu libmotif libxpm and more (that for me were already called in via dependencies of dependencies). Having tried to make a font in both gbdfed and xmbdfed, i can report that xmbdfed crashes less. I made 3 glyphs in xmbdfed, which is 3 more than in gbdfed. I'm going to make more glyphs now. #BDF #BitmapFont

*Frankenstein voice* "It's alive!". xmbdfed running on my M4 Mac after compiling. Loads of warnings, but only a couple of errors that needed tweaking away. xmbdfed is Mark Leisher's XMotif (xm) Bitmap Distribution Format (bdf) Editor (ed). The source code i found on Wayback, because of course the original New Mexico State University server is gone. And i only found the link because of the assiduous recording of Luc Devroye, a name who everyone in the type community probably knows, but sadly his website/archival project will not be being updated. Parts of this project, and the greater enterprise, feel like sand slipping through my hands. #xmbdfed #BitmapFont

I have a crazy idea and it is that we should have a World Bitmap Font Week, to celebrate the culture of bitmap fonts, and perhaps pay thanks for their work and contributions to society. Also we can make some fonts. At this stage it is just an idea, but with a few more people i think we could have a few coordinated blog posts, and maybe some tools, tutorials, and even workshops? I suggest the 10 days starting 2026-10-19. Who is in? Reply saying yes. And please boost :) #BitmapFont #Font