Variable Typeface Slider Malfunction in Affinity Publisher Version 2

[cthomsons]

The recent update of Affinity Publisher Version 2 introduced a bug affecting the variable typeface slider. Specifically, the slider does not function correctly. This bug was found while using a paid typeface 'Saans'. When adjusting within various ranges such as 500-600, there is no visible change in the typeface weight. Additionally, if the weight is set to 500 and the text is then deselected, the slider incorrectly displays a value of 570.

The typeface weight should change smoothly and accurately when adjusted using the slider. The slider should retain the correct weight value (e.g., 500) even after deselecting and reselecting the text. This issue was not present in prior updates of Affinity Publisher V2 to the best of my knowledge. The typeface does support variable weights and has no issues as I've used it prior to the most recent V2 update.

[Hangman]

Hi @cthomsons and welcome to the forums,

I've tested 'Saans' on both Windows and Mac and see no obvious issues...

This is a Mac screen recording, but the behaviour (for me at least) is identical on the Windows 2.5.6 version. Could you perhaps upload a screen recording of what you're seeing...

 

[cthomsons]

@Hangman Thats super unusual, might have to uninstall the software perhaps and see if that does the trick!

Edited December 2, 2024 by cthomsons
Clipchamp Video Recording Failed to Load Variable Slider

[Hangman]

@cthomsons,

Do you see the same behaviour if adjusting the font-weight when holding the Alt Key down?

[cthomsons]

@Hangman Yes holding down the Alt Key while adjusting the font-weight achieves the same problem. I'll uninstall, reinstall and see if that rectifies the issue. If not I'll try the same with the typeface.

Edited December 2, 2024 by cthomsons
Forgot to include user tag

[Hangman]

Just now, cthomsons said:

Yes holding down the Alt Key while adjusting the font-weight achieves the same problem. I'll uninstall, reinstall and see if that rectifies the issue. If not I'll try the same with the typeface.

Okay, let us know how you get on...

[cthomsons]

@Hangman Feeling baffled. I reinstalled both the software and the typeface (Variable Fails). It has worked in previous versions—I’ve successfully used it for publications and a website before. I even reset the default user settings (also failed).

[cthomsons]

User Information for Investigating Bug.

1. Affinity Publisher

2. Version 2.5.6

3. Reproduced Screen Recordings

4. Happens in new and old documents (unable to distribute paid typeface)

_______________________________________________

- Windows 11

- Hardware Acceleration (On)

- Recipe for the problem

- (A) Download Saans

- (B) Type a word

- (C) Apply variable

- (D) Slider Variable Weight Adjustor

- (E) Variable Fails

I recently utilised this for a client which required various publications and also incorporated it for their website as a variable .woff file. During such time the variable worked. The installer was MSIX (x64)

[MikeTO]

Are you both using the same version of the font? One of you might have an older version.

[Hangman]

I'm using the Trial version from their website... which is v4.000; Glyphs 3.3 (3316)

https://displaay.net/typeface/saans-collection/

[kenmcd]

@cthomsons 

Do you have the static fonts installed at the same time?

Looks like the family name is the same in the variable and the statics. Which will cause issues.

[cthomsons]

@kenmcd I believe this is what your asking. But yes only the variable was installed.

[kenmcd]

Need to see your actual font(s).

The trial fonts are kinda odd.

The User Coordinates and the Design Coordinates are the same.
For example the Medium instance is at 570 for both.
Usually you will have a User Coordinate of 500 for Medium - which is what you are going to see in the interface - but the Design Coordinate internally points to 570 in the design space.

You said you have used this font on the web...
CSS wants to see 500, not 570.
Which is why GF checks for proper mapping.
And to make sure the variable Medium is interchangeable with the static Medium (500).

The two axis trial font has 10 masters - which is very odd.
And 12 instances.
Makes no sense.

The default master is Light at 300 - why?
That is something you would do if you only have two masters - eg. Light and Black.
But with 5 different weight masters...
Makes no sense.

The three axis trial font is even more odd.
20 masters. (WTF?)
36 instances.

Your demo shows a font with only one axis - so you have a different font.
Need to see your actual font(s).

[cthomsons]

Bug Confirmed

@kenmcd To prevent additional comments from other users, I can confirm that this is indeed a bug. The previous version of Affinity Publisher (2.5.5) functions as expected, as demonstrated below. This utilises the SaansUprights-VFvariable.ttf only. The differences in instances is due to only purchasing the Upright files not the italics.

As for 'seeing the actual font(s)' -  "This license is granted as non-exclusive, non-assignable, non-transferable and for an unlimited period of time."

 

[kenmcd]

I do not see this issue with the trial fonts.

@Hangman does not see this issue with the trial fonts.

So my guess is the issue is with your font.

[Patrick Connor]

This is very odd as there is nothing in 2.5.6 over 2.5.5 that should affect modifying the weight of variable fonts in this way. We cannot reproduce what you are showing clearly in your videos. I will discuss this with the developers.

[Patrick Connor]

We may have to buy this font to replicate. Please can you tell me which you have currently installed?

[cthomsons]

@Patrick Connor 

[Hangman]

Hi @cthomsons,

Out of pure interest, if you download and install the Trial version of Saans after uninstalling the Purchased version, do you still see the same issue?

[cthomsons]

@Hangman @Patrick Connor 

Baffling

Testing the trial variable .ttf file, it works fine on Affinity Publisher version 2.5.6. However, the paid variable .ttf file does not. Interestingly, the paid variable .ttf works on version 2.5.5. Additionally, as you pointed out, the instances are drastically differently due to only purchasing the Upright package.

Edited December 3, 2024 by cthomsons

[Hangman]

Hi @cthomsons,

It's entirely up to you whether you wish to try this but if you drop the purchased version of Saans Variable into FontDrop do you still see the same issue when adjusting the weight slider...

https://fontdrop.info/

 

[cthomsons]

@Hangman FontDrop Test using - SaansUprights-VF.ttf

[Hangman]

@cthomsons,

Thanks for testing...

So the purchased version of Saans Variable appears to work as expected across all weights in FontDrop... Hopefully, the Dev team can figure out why it isn't working as expected in the Affinity Apps...

[Patrick Connor]

@cthomsons

I have received a copy of the Saans typeface from the good people of https://displaay.net and will investigate what has caused this behaviour. Can you see a version number just to make sure we are testing the same files?

[cthomsons]

@Patrick Connor  Version 4.000;Glyphs 3.3 (3316)