List in GDL scripts

[Anonymous]

When I created a 2D object that show some text, I want my users can select a font that they like. So I add a variable which type is string. Then in 2D script I write the following code:

DEFINE STYLE "WolfKing" fontname, fontsize, 5, 0

I think everybody do it like what i do.
But to users, it is troubled. They have to look through system fonts folder, remember the font name, then go back to ArchiCAD, type the font name.

I want to make it easier. But how?

[Anonymous]

You could use a values list to give a couple of basic options like "Arial" and "Times New Roman" (which should work on neary all European language computers) with a custom option to retain your existing function. Aside from using the API there is no way to get a pop-up list of the user's system fonts.

For most Architects I know, font selection is a one time thing. So I set up the font selection for each client as either a default list or hard code it into the master script if they want a fixed standard (which is most common). Perhaps you could provide your users with an instruction about how to do this for themselves to set their own office standard (it's not a bug, it's a feature ).

[Anonymous]

I don't think so.

Using a valued list is worse than an empty variable. Think carefully, if I write the following code in my object :

VALUES 'FontName' 'Arial', 'Arial Black',....and etc.

And somebody who delete his 'Arial' font (it is possible, we can not think anybody is as wise as us ) and select 'Arial' from the valued list, what will happened?

[Anonymous]

I tested. No error. It is strange .

I think I have a great idea. Give me some time, I'll publish my achievement here.

[Aussie John]

Wolf wrote:
And somebody who delete his 'Arial' font (it is possible, we can not think anybody is as wise as us ) and select 'Arial' from the valued list, what will happened?

I have found it just substitutes the default font.
Value list appear to be the way to go. Then the font families are controlled. After all you dont want Architects to express themselves too much!!

[Anonymous]

Wolf wrote:
I don't think so.

Using a valued list is worse than an empty variable. Think carefully, if I write the following code in my object :

VALUES 'FontName' 'Arial', 'Arial Black',....and etc.

And somebody who delete his 'Arial' font (it is possible, we can not think anybody is as wise as us ) and select 'Arial' from the valued list, what will happened?

Do:
VALUES 'FontName' 'Arial', 'Arial Black', 'whatever', 'whateverelse', CUSTOM

Then they can type in their own if they need. And as mentioned, if Arial isn't on their computer it will switch to some other default.

[David Larrew]

This font issue has been a "thorn in my side" since AC6.0. What GS needs to do is give us the ability to "REQUEST()" available fonts on the user's computer to populate a VALUES list.

I think I'll add this to the Wishlist.

[Djordje]

David wrote:
This font issue has been a "thorn in my side" since AC6.0. What GS needs to do is give us the ability to "REQUEST()" available fonts on the user's computer to populate a VALUES list.

I think I'll add this to the Wishlist.

Please do, as a new Topic.

[Anonymous]

i use this trick to make a gdl shadow text object
....set style "ac_style_1"..!!! etc
i put a
let Q=2000/glob_scale !!!!!!!! shadow scale displacement
PEN TXT1 !!! shadow color
Text2 x,y,... !!! the back text =shadow
Add2 -dim_txt/Q*h_txt,dim_txt/Q*h_txt !!!shadow offset
PEN TXT2 !!! front text color
Text2 x,y,... !!!!! the front text

and of course you can experiment another object and associate your own graphical aplhabet to fragment2
and call 2 macro objects 2X16 fragments=32 characters :idea: you can use in gdl bitmaped (jpeg) characters

[LiHigh]

What Wolf King is try to do is to create an Utility to retrieve a list of fonts that are installed in the system; And then INPUT the list into gdl object as VALUES lists so that we can select the fonts (drop down menu) in object parameter window.
Would that be wonderful?