Typst makes big strides

Typst, a document typesetting system capable of producing PDF, SVG, PNG, and HTML output, recently unveiled version 0.15, introducing numerous enhancements. The new release includes support for variable fonts, MathML, multiple bibliographies, and more. Developed using the Rust programming language, Typst is open-source and distributed under the Apache-2.0 license.

Variable fonts, which consolidate all font variations into a single file, have gained traction in the typography world. This format saves space and offers greater flexibility for authors and designers. By setting an axis value, designers can control various aspects of rendered glyphs. For instance, Zycon, a font with no letters but 17 decorative pictures, features six continuous axes enabling smooth alterations, making it suitable for animations.

In a test, the new Typst feature was applied using two open-source variable fonts: Roboto Flex and Zycon. Roboto Flex, a general-purpose font with 13 axes, allows for length adjustment of its descenders through the YTDE axis, beneficial for typesetting tables. Zycon's M1 axis changes the lunar phase of the Moon glyph.

Typst's HTML output now supports MathML, enabling the rendering of mathematical equations directly in web browsers without relying on external libraries. The new capability allows for TeX-quality mathematics to be displayed seamlessly in HTML, enhancing scientific communication.

Furthermore, the bundle feature facilitates the creation of interconnected documents, such as a website or academic preprint, from a single source file. Using the bundle command, three interconnected documents—two HTML pages and a PDF—can be generated, sharing text and hyperlinks through designated labels. This functionality proves advantageous for academics seeking to produce conference materials alongside preprints.