Download the New Version Boxy SVG

Boxy SVG, a popular vector graphics editor, has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to access their locally installed fonts. This innovative feature has been well-received by users who can now enjoy using their favorite fonts in their designs and creations.

The feature was made possible through the use of the Local Font Access API, which was initially introduced as an experimental API by Google Chrome. The Local Font Access API allows developers to access the locally installed fonts on a user's device, including higher-level details such as font names, styles, and families.

To make this feature work, Boxy SVG uses the Shadow DOM in its custom elements. This allows the app to isolate itself from the rest of the page and ensure that the font picker widget functions correctly. Once the database is populated, the font picker widget can query it and display the results on the screen.

The Local Font Access API was initially introduced as an experimental feature by Google Chrome, but it has since been officially supported in the latest versions of Chrome. As of 2023, developers can safely ignore the old experimental version of the API, which was only available for a short time via experimental Chrome flags.

When users open the font family picker for the first time, the app checks if their web browser supports the Local Font Access API. If it does, the app uses the new API to access the locally installed fonts. The underlying code is straightforward and easy to understand.

In the following screenshot, you can see how I have granted Boxy SVG access to my locally installed fonts on my MacBook and chosen the Marker Felt font for my text.

The Local Font Access API provides users with a wide range of benefits, including the ability to access their locally installed fonts, as well as higher-level details such as font names, styles, and families. This feature has been well-received by users who can now enjoy using their favorite fonts in their designs and creations.

Boxy SVG is developed by Polish developer Jarosław Foksa and was initially released on March 15, 2013. Its main use case is editing drawings in the SVG file format, for creating illustrations, logos, icons, and other elements of graphic design. With its new feature that allows users to access their locally installed fonts, Boxy SVG has become an even more powerful tool for designers and creatives.

References:

* Jarosław Foksa's blog post on the Local Font Access API

* Google Chrome documentation on the Local Font Access API

* Boxy SVG's ideas tracker on GitHub

Note that this article is also available in video form.

Download the new version Boxy SVG