Changes

FlexiFace is a system I've been playing with for a few months on and off. Basically, it's to get around the difficulty of creating typefaces for every combination of fonts. It combines typescripts based on just one parameter -- —x-height -- —because other parameters (e.g., italic slant, color/weight) are really hard to quantify, and are best left to the typographer's artistry.

: When you use <ttcmd>\setupbodyfont[flex]</ttcmd>, you get the typescripts you called previously, accessible as <tt>rm</tt>, <tt>ss</tt>, etc. (as appropriate), all relatively scaled so that their x-height matches up with that of CMR.

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...and you get Palatino (serif and math) with Helvetica, both scaled to a compatible x-height. That seems more complex than necessary, given a one-time use, but the power behind FlexiFace lies in the endless combinations, and that it's embedded in the natural <ttcmd>\usetypescript</ttcmd> calls. Once it's set up, you only need to worry about calling one typeface/bodyfont.

* The typeface doesn't make <tt>rm</tt> the default, so watch out. It's best to put 'rm' (or your choice) into the \<cmd>setupbodyfont </cmd> call, as above. (Hans points out that <ttcmd>\setuptypeface[flex][default=rm]</ttcmd> is just as effective, and it's probably better in a local config file.)* An x-height to match CMR is a bit small for most fonts -- &mdash;and it can distort the actual size of the font -- &mdash;so either be aware of this global rescaling (e.g., the "&ldquo;12pt" &rdquo; Palatino above actually comes out at 10.92pt after scaling) or use the <tt>flex2</tt> alternative.* This system depends on a "&ldquo;correct" &rdquo; ConTeXt font installation -- &mdash;it doesn't manage any magic if you haven't run TeXfont or use the berry typescripts.

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