Text Layout

• A new cross-platform text layout engine that uses HarfBuzz for consistent text layout on all platforms (Akash Jain, GSoC 2016; Khaled Hosny) tdf#89870
  • OpenType layout is now supported on all platforms, and default OpenType features are enabled for all languages.
  • Graphite layout is now supported on macOS as well, not only Linux and Windows.
  • OpenType layout features can be controlled using the syntax previously only supported for Graphite fonts.
  • Improved Kashida justification for Arabic script.
  • Improved vertical text layout for CJK scripts to use HarfBuzz instead of the home grown solution(s).
  • All text layout now goes through HarfBuzz, there is no longer any distinction between so-called simple and complex scripts.
  • Many Windows-only and macOS-only text layout bugs have been fixed.
  • Improved and consistent calculation of inter-line spacing across platforms (Khaled Hosny) tdf#55469
  • Enable vertical “left to right” block direction, needed for traditional Mongolian and Manchu (Khaled Hosny) tdf#33278

The Graphite font Awami Nastaliq used on macOS with the new layout engine

STIX Two Text font showing small caps, proportional numbers, and fractions activated

New vertical left-to-right option for text direction

Vertical left-to-right text layout used for traditional Mongolian