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Handwriting Font App (With Video and Source Code)
Summary of my handwriting font app. It takes the user's handwriting, creates a font out of it, and allows them to type in their own handwriting. The file can be exported as a vector file and printed on the CNC Watercolor bot to mimic a real person's writing.
I recently programmed my own handwriting font app using Processing, a Java-based programming language. The program prompts the user’s handwriting, stores it locally, then allows the user to type in their own handwriting. I spent many hours on this project, and I had a lot of fun making it! I was really going for a program that would not only be a challenge programming-wise, but would also be a great tool to have. The features include:
- Functioning typing interface
- Font size
- Support of multiple users
- Line wrap and backspace
- Numerous special characters
- Export a PDF vector file to be laser cut/fabricated
- One of the coolest parts about this project is the ability to print out what you've typed on a Watercolor Bot. This is a CNC machine that uses a pen to draw out vector files.
A video of the program in action.
I was very proud of this program. I spent a great deal of time on it and I was thrilled when I finally got it to work. Because of the complex nature of this project, I learned a great deal about both programming in Processing (PShapes, etc.) and the Watercolor Bot. My attempt at programming a “simple” word processor also revealed how difficult and complex Microsoft Office is.
If I had more time, I would add bold, italics, colored fonts, underlining, a curser, spell check, better line wrap, etc.
The source code
Posted in General Programming with Processing, Java