Alphabix requires the latest version of DirectX 9. Windows 8, 7 and Vista run DirectX 9 side by side with higher versions of DirectX. So even on 8, 7 and Vista you might have to update DirectX 9.
DirectX is available as a free download from Microsoft:
UPDATE DIRECTX
If the web installer refuses to work (or if you would like to install DirectX on an offline computer) you can download the DirectX end-user redistributable.
More info about DirectX
| version | Alphabix 1.2.2.0 |
| size | 1 MB |
| date released | Monday, February 25th, 2013 |
If you do not like installers you can download the program as a ZIP file.
If the program complains about not being able to find D3DX9_34.dll you will have to install the latest version of DirectX.
A single user license of Alphabix costs € 19.95
When you buy Alphabix you receive your own personal license keys. Entering them into the program with the menu item Settings > Enter License Keys... will turn the evaluation version into the fully functional version.
TIP: Alphabix can automatically load successive pictures when you name your files like this: A.png, B.png, C.png,...
Examples of filenames that Alphabix recognizes as the letter 'A' are: A.png, GoldenA.png, 65.png (the unicode value of A is 65), Golden65.png.
Saving your bitmap font creates 2 files: a texture file and a datafile.
The texture file is a picture saved in the standard PNG format and contains a collage of all the character pictures. You can view its content by loading the .PNG file into a paint program.
The datafile is saved as a .BF (BluffTitler Font) file and contains the positions and sizes of the characters in the texture file. You can view its content by loading the .BF file in a text editor, like Notepad
In most situations you do not want the bitmap font to be lightened. You can do that by pressing the Change Effect button and selecting the NotLightened.fx or NotLightened_NoZBuffer effect.
When you save your characters as transparent PNG files, you can import them into Alphabix by choosing File > Add/Replace Picture... (or by pressing <F4>)
When you've used a non-digital drawing technique like paper and pencil you will have to scan or photograph every character.
TIP: Alphabix can automatically load successive pictures when you name your files like this: A.png, B.png, C.png,...
Clears all characters and starts a new font project.
Opens a .BF bitmap font. A font can also be opened by double clicking on its icon or by dropping it on Alphabix's window.
Saves the current font as a .BF file for use in BluffTitler.
Exports the current font as a .HTML file.
Exports all the characters in the current font as single files.
Opens a dialog that allows you to add and replace characters by importing characters from a vector font.
Opens a dialog that allows you to add and replace a character by importing a picture file.
Exits the application.
Opens a dialog that allows you to set the background colour. This way you can test the alpha channel.
If this menu item is flagged, all fonts are scaled to match the Arial Black font. This makes it easier to change fonts.
If this menu item is flagged, imported pictures are horizontally trimmed. This makes the exported font texture smaller.
Opens a dialog that allows you to enter your license keys.
Displays this user guide.
Displays the order page.
Shows general information.
In the demo (evaluation) version the vowels (a,e,i,o,u) are not exported. Apart from that, all features are enabled allowing you to fully test Alphabix before you decide to buy it.
The demo (evaluation) version never times out. This way you can test Alphabix for as long as you want.
Released: Monday, February 25th, 2013
Price: € 19.95, free upgrade for registered users!
Changes since version 1.0:
Released: 2008-12-1
Price: € 19.95
Feedback is greatly appreciated. You can contact us here:
info@outerspace-software.com