Coding My Handwriting
5 days ago
- #p5js
- #coding
- #handwriting
- The author initially dismissed the idea of coding cursive handwriting as too complex but later created a cursive version.
- A previous project involved creating a block script version of the alphabet using JavaScript, defining key points, smoothing paths with Chaikin’s algorithm, and adding variable thickness.
- For cursive handwriting, the author developed a tool in p5js to design letters by placing key points, editing them, and outputting paths.
- The author used their own handwriting as a guide, tracing letters from an image loaded into the tool.
- Joining cursive letters posed challenges, requiring adjustments to paths based on neighboring letters to avoid unnatural connections.
- Each letter path includes a digit indicating how it joins with adjacent letters (e.g., baseline, x-height).
- Words are formed by selecting and adjusting letter paths based on their neighbors, with functions to handle specific cases.
- The cursive handwriting code is larger (26.1kb) than the block print (9.7kb) due to multiple paths and adjustment functions.
- Potential optimizations include changing the default font size to reduce decimal points in path definitions.
- The handwriting is used for titles and labels in diagrams, with flexibility to manipulate paths for creative effects.
- Unique prints using evolved versions of the handwriting code are available for purchase.