The Problem with Weird Fonts

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 60 views

Introduction

When working with TikZ and Pdftex, one of the most powerful features is the ability to create complex and visually appealing graphics. However, sometimes we encounter issues that can be frustrating to resolve. In this article, we will discuss a common problem that many users face when trying to use the decoration command to bend text along a path, especially when the text is in a non-standard font.

Understanding the Issue

The issue at hand is that when we try to use the decoration command to bend text along a path, the text does not get bent if it's in a weird font. This can be particularly problematic when working with fonts that have unusual characteristics, such as Tengwar characters.

Code Example

Let's take a look at the code example you provided:

\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage{tikz}
\usetikzlibrary{decorations.pathreplacing,decorations.markings}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text align=fit to path}] (0,0) circle (2cm);
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

In this example, we are trying to bend the text "Some text here" along a circle using the decorate command. However, as you mentioned, the text does not get bent if it's in a weird font.

The Problem with Weird Fonts

The issue with weird fonts is that they often have unusual characteristics that can cause problems with the decoration command. For example, fonts with non-standard character widths or heights can cause the text to be misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

Solutions to the Problem

So, what can we do to resolve this issue? Here are a few possible solutions:

1. Use a Standard Font

One solution is to use a standard font that is known to work well with the decoration command. For example, you can use the Times New Roman font, which is a classic font that is widely supported.

2. Use a Font with a Consistent Character Width

Another solution is to use a font that has a consistent character width. This can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

3. Use the `text width` Option

You can also use the text width option to specify the width of the text. This can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

4. Use the `text height` Option

Similarly, you can use the text height option to specify the height of the text. This can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

5. Use the `text depth` Option

Finally, you can use the text depth option to specify the depth of the text. This can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

Example Code

Here is an example of how you can use the text width option to specify the width of the text:

\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage{tikz}
\usetikzlibrary{decorations.pathreplacing,decorations.markings}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text align=fit to path, text width=2cm}] (0,0) circle (2cm);
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

In this example, we are specifying the width of the text to be 2cm using the text width option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decoration command can be a powerful tool for creating complex and visually appealing graphics in TikZ and Pdftex. However, it can also be frustrating to resolve issues that can arise when working with weird fonts. By using a standard font, a font with a consistent character width, or the text width option, you can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips and tricks that you can use to work with the decoration command:

1. Use the `text along path` Option

You can use the text along path option to specify the text that you want to bend along a path.

2. Use the `text align` Option

You can use the text align option to specify the alignment of the text along the path.

3. Use the `text depth` Option

You can use the text depth option to specify the depth of the text.

4. Use the `text height` Option

You can use the text height option to specify the height of the text.

5. Use the `text width` Option

You can use the text width option to specify the width of the text.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are a few common issues that you may encounter when working with the decoration command, along with their solutions:

1. Text Not Bending Along Path

If the text is not bending along the path, try using the text along path option to specify the text that you want to bend along the path.

2. Text Misaligned or Distorted

If the text is misaligned or distorted, try using a standard font or a font with a consistent character width.

3. Text Not Visible

If the text is not visible, try increasing the font size or using a different font.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the issue of the decoration command not bending text if it's in a weird font. We also provided some solutions to this problem, including using a standard font, a font with a consistent character width, or the text width option. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about this issue.

Q: What is the `decoration` command in TikZ?

A: The decoration command in TikZ is a powerful tool for creating complex and visually appealing graphics. It allows you to add decorations to a path, such as bending text along a curve.

Q: Why is my text not bending along the path?

A: There are several reasons why your text may not be bending along the path. One reason is that the font you are using is not compatible with the decoration command. Another reason is that the text is not aligned properly along the path.

Q: How can I fix the issue of my text not bending along the path?

A: To fix the issue of your text not bending along the path, try using a standard font or a font with a consistent character width. You can also try using the text along path option to specify the text that you want to bend along the path.

Q: What is the `text along path` option in TikZ?

A: The text along path option in TikZ is used to specify the text that you want to bend along a path. You can use this option to add text to a path, and the text will be bent along the path.

Q: How can I use the `text along path` option in TikZ?

A: To use the text along path option in TikZ, you can add the following code to your document:

\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text align=fit to path}] (0,0) circle (2cm);

In this code, text along path is the option that specifies the text that you want to bend along the path. text={\textit{Some text here}} is the text that you want to bend along the path. text align=fit to path is the option that specifies how the text should be aligned along the path.

Q: What is the `text align` option in TikZ?

A: The text align option in TikZ is used to specify how the text should be aligned along a path. You can use this option to align the text to the left, right, or center of the path.

Q: How can I use the `text align` option in TikZ?

A: To use the text align option in TikZ, you can add the following code to your document:

\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text align=center}] (0,0) circle (2cm);

In this code, text align=center is the option that specifies how the text should be aligned along the path.

Q: What is the `text depth` option in TikZ?

A: The text depth option in TikZ is used to specify the depth of the text. You can use this option to add a depth to the text, which can be useful for creating 3D effects.

Q: How can I use the `text depth` option in TikZ?

A: To use the text depth option in TikZ, you can add the following code to your document:

\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text depth=1cm}] (0,0) circle (2cm);

In this code, text depth=1cm is the option that specifies the depth of the text.

Q: What is the `text height` option in TikZ?

A: The text height option in TikZ is used to specify the height of the text. You can use this option to add a height to the text, which can be useful for creating 3D effects.

Q: How can I use the `text height` option in TikZ?

A: To use the text height option in TikZ, you can add the following code to your document:

\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text height=1cm}] (0,0) circle (2cm);

In this code, text height=1cm is the option that specifies the height of the text.

Q: What is the `text width` option in TikZ?

A: The text width option in TikZ is used to specify the width of the text. You can use this option to add a width to the text, which can be useful for creating 3D effects.

Q: How can I use the `text width` option in TikZ?

A: To use the text width option in TikZ, you can add the following code to your document:

\draw[decorate, decoration={text along path, text={\textit{Some text here}}, text width=1cm}] (0,0) circle (2cm);

In this code, text width=1cm is the option that specifies the width of the text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decoration command in TikZ can be a powerful tool for creating complex and visually appealing graphics. However, it can also be frustrating to resolve issues that can arise when working with weird fonts. By using a standard font, a font with a consistent character width, or the text width option, you can help to prevent the text from being misaligned or distorted when bent along a path. We hope that this article has been helpful in answering some of the frequently asked questions about the decoration command in TikZ.