Overview

❗ PageFlex Studio does not support variable fonts. It can only use traditional, non-variable (static) OpenType or TrueType fonts. This means that if you attempt to load a variable font—many of which are now the default versions shipped by Google Fonts and other modern type families—PageFlex may fail to import the font, may not display the correct style, or may substitute a fallback font in output.

This article explains how to identify variable fonts, obtain static versions, and select the correct optical size master when working with Google Fonts.

1. Understanding Variable Fonts & How to Identify Them

Variable fonts bundle many styles (weights, widths, italics, optical sizes, etc.) into a single file. Instead of having separate files like Regular, Medium, Bold, Bold Italic, a variable font stores these styles along continuous “axes” such as weight (wght), width (wdth), or optical size (opsz).

PageFlex Studio cannot interpret these axes and therefore cannot use variable fonts.

How to Tell If a Font Is Variable

Use one or more of these quick checks:

• File Naming: Variable fonts often include axis brackets such as:
  • Inter-Variable.ttf
  • FontFamily[wght].ttf
• UI Indicators: Windows Font Viewer or macOS Font Book will show sliders for weight or other axes.
• File Size: Variable fonts tend to be noticeably larger than individual static font files.

If any of these apply, the font cannot be used in PageFlex and you will need a static version.

2. Obtaining Static (Non-Variable) Versions of a Font

From Google Fonts

Google Fonts bundles both variable and static font files, though the static versions are sometimes located deeper in the ZIP package.

To obtain static fonts:

1. Go to fonts.google.com
2. Download the family
3. In the ZIP:
   • Variable fonts are usually found in the root folder /[Font Name]/
   • Static fonts (the ones PageFlex needs) are found in /[Font Name]/static or /fonts/otf/ or /fonts/ttf/
4. Install only the static .ttf or .otf files

If the family uses optical size masters (like Inter), you’ll see folders for different optical sizes such as:

• [Font Name]_18pt
• [Font Name]_24pt
• [Font Name]_28pt

These are explained below.

3. Choosing Optical Size Masters

Some Google Fonts—like Inter, Roboto Serif, and others—include static versions optimized for different reading sizes. These versions are called optical size masters. They are not locked to that point size; rather, they are tuned for best legibility within a general range.

Typical Google Optical Masters

• 18pt master: Optimized for small-to-medium print sizes (roughly 9–18 pt)
• 24pt master: Optimized for larger text and subheadings
• 28pt master: Optimized for large display or title sizes

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick the optical master closest to your intended print size:

• Body text or small headings (6–14 pt): Use the 18pt master
• Mid-size headings (14–30 pt): Use the 24pt master
• Large titles (30 pt+): Use the 28pt master

Example:
A 13-pt heading for a business card should use Inter 18pt.

4. Installing Static Fonts in PageFlex Studio

To ensure compatibility:

1. Remove any previously installed variable version of the font.
2. Install only the static TTF/OTF files you plan to use.
3. Restart PageFlex Studio.
4. Confirm that styles (Regular, Medium, Bold, Italic, etc.) appear individually rather than controlled by sliders or ranges.

PageFlex should now be able to load and render the font correctly.

Summary

• PageFlex does not support variable fonts.
• You must use static TTF/OTF font files.
• Google Fonts includes static versions, but you must select them manually.
• If the family includes multiple optical size masters, choose the one designed for your print size.