Multi-Font Variations (for AxiDraw users and single line fonts)

Increase the number of variations in your single line font by purchasing multiple fonts in the same handwriting style and combining them into one SVG single line font*.

What are multi-font variations (MFVs)?

Multi-font variations (or MFVs) are enhanced single line fonts that use two or more fonts of the same handwriting style to multiply the number of variations available when you render your document to single line.

How do MFVs work?

MFV fonts work by taking two or more single line fonts and combining them into one SVG file. When you use Hershey Advanced or AxiDraw Merge to render your document to single line, the software will cycle through each font to choose the next character to use, thus increasing the number of variations in your single line output.

Why must I be an AxiDraw user?

This feature is only available to AxiDraw users as it requires the latest version of Hershey Advanced or AxiDraw Merge Inkscape extensions, available from Evil Mad Scientist (makers of the AxiDraw) to access the variations.

How many variations can I achieve using MFVs?

We recommend purchasing multiple version 6 fonts to create an MFV font.

A version 6 font already has 318 additional character variations. Adding a second font increases the number of variations to 734* (another 318 variations, plus the 98 'main' characters* in the second font).

* Includes punctuation and symbols but excludes signatures.

Here's a summary of the number of variations achievable for version 6 MFVs: -

2 fonts: 734 variations
3 fonts: 1150 variations
4 fonts: 1566 variations
5 fonts: 1982 variations
etc.

View the full version 6 Premium 'Ultra' font specification here.

What is the cost of an MFV font?

The cost is simply a multiple of the standard cost of a single line Premium 'Ultra' font. For example, if you purchase a 3 font MFV fonts, the cost will be 3 times the cost of one single line Premium 'Ultra' font.

Is there is discount when purchasing an MFV font?

Yes. If you are happy to allow us to re-sell your MFV font (removing any identifying names and signatures of course) you can claim a £60 refund for each font you purchase in the MFV font. For example, if you purchase a 3 font MFV font then you can claim a refund of £180.
We will retrospectively refund this sum after purchase (you can specify when you place your order) to avoid confusion about the discount for non-single line customers.

How do I purchase an MFV font?

Simply order a version 6 single line Premium 'Ultra' font as usual but change the quantity to the number of fonts you want in your MFV font.
In the Multi-Font section on the order either select 'Yes' or 'Yes and I'm happy for you to re-sell my font for a discount of £60 per font'. Then, complete as many sets of forms as per the number of fonts you've purchased, all in the same handwriting size and style. For example, if you've purchased 3 fonts for your MFV font then supply three complete sets of forms.

What do I get when I purchase an MFV font?

You will receive the individual TrueType Premium 'Ultra' fonts, the individual single line Premium 'Ultra' fonts, the individual single line SVG fonts and, most importantly, the combined single line SVG font. These will all be zipped into a compressed package for you to download.

What is the lead time for MFV fonts?

As you can expect, creating multiple Premium 'Ultra' fonts is a huge amount of work. Two font MFV fonts should be completed within the usual 28 day lead time, but larger orders will probably extend the lead time past 28 days.

How do I use an MFV font?

MFV fonts are used just like any other SVG single line font, but you must have the latest version of the Hershey Advanced or AxiDraw Merge Inkscape extensions for them to be recognised and used correctly. Create your document using one of the individual standard TrueType fonts (it doesn't matter which one) and then render your document to single line as per our guide.

Can I upgrade an existing font to an MFV font?

Yes you can. We recommend upgrading existing version 6 fonts. All you need to do is purchase the additional number of fonts you require to make your MFV font. So, for example if you already have a version 6 font and you want to have a 3 font MFV font, then purchase 2 more version 6 single line fonts, and supply another two sets of forms. Be careful to use the same writing size, style and pen as your original form submission.
If your font is not a version 6 font we recommend upgrading your original font first by going here.

Are there any pre-made MFV fonts to purchase?

No, not yet. As soon as a customer enjoys that generous £60 discount per font when they purchase an MFV font, in return for allowing us to re-sell the font, we will make it available for sale.

Can I use MFV fonts if I don't have a pen plotter?

Not at the moment. It's not possible to combine TrueType fonts in the same way as single line fonts, but we are looking at modifying our Microsoft Word template to add this feature. You can find out more about the template here.