Interface Guide

SnowB BMF features a clean, intuitive interface divided into three main panels: Font Configuration (left), Preview Area (center), and Style Configuration (right). This guide covers all interface elements and their functions.

Main Interface Layout

Top Menu Bar

The top menu provides essential file operations:

• New - Create a new bitmap font project
• Open - Load existing project files (.sbf or .ltr formats)
• Save - Save your current project
• Export - Export bitmap fonts and texture atlases

The project name is displayed in the center (shows “Unnamed” for new projects).

Three-Panel Layout

The interface is organized into three main sections for efficient workflow management.

Left Panel - Font Configuration

The left panel manages core font settings and layout options:

• Font Family: Upload font files (TTF, OTF, WOFF formats)
• Font Size & Line Height: Control glyph size and vertical spacing
• Sharp: Adjust font rendering sharpness for crisp or soft edges
• Layout Settings: Configure padding, spacing, and texture atlas organization
• Auto Pack: Enable automatic texture optimization for efficient space usage
• Size Controls: Set maximum width and choose between fixed or dynamic texture sizing
• Global Metric Adjustments: Fine-tune character positioning with xAdvance, xOffset, and yOffset controls

Center Panel - Preview Area

The center panel provides real-time preview of your bitmap font:

• Texture Atlas Display: Shows all generated glyphs packed efficiently with transparent background (checkered pattern)
• Size Information: Displays current texture dimensions (e.g., “439 x 439”)
• Preview Controls: Zoom slider for detailed inspection and fullscreen toggle
• Image Glyph Support: Add custom image glyphs via “SELECT IMAGES” button
• Real-time Updates: Changes reflect immediately when adjusting settings

Right Panel - Style Configuration

The right panel controls the visual styling of your font glyphs:

• Fill Options: Choose between solid colors, gradients, or texture-based fills with color picker
• Stroke Settings: Add outlines with customizable width, type (outer/inner/center), line caps, and joins
• Shadow Effects: Apply drop shadows with adjustable offset, blur, and styling options
• Style Types: Each effect supports solid, gradient, or image-based styling
• Toggle Controls: Easy on/off switches for stroke and shadow effects

Next Steps

Now that you’re familiar with the interface, check out the Workflow Guide for step-by-step instructions on creating your first bitmap font and optimizing it for your specific use case.