Editing Ikarus (typography software) (section)

{{short description|Typography software}}
[[File:Ikarus_Outline_Description.jpg|thumb|alt=Ikarus Outline Description|Ikarus Outline Description]]
'''Ikarus''' is a type design and production [[software]] developed by [[URW (company)|URW]] and Brendel Informatik foundries, for converting existing [[typeface]]s and [[logos]] into [[Digital data|digital]] format for use on computer driven printing, plotting and sign cutting devices.

It was licensed by major foundries such as [[Agfa-Gevaert|Agfa]]-[[Compugraphic]], [[Stobart (logistics company)|Autologic]], [[Berthold Type Foundry|Berthold]], [[International Typeface Corporation]], [[Letraset]], [[Mergenthaler Linotype Company|Linotype]], [[Monotype Imaging|Monotype]], [[Stempel Type Foundry|Stempel]], and others.

Its "IK" format was convertible into diverse vendor representations, including Type3 and Type1 [[PostScript]] formats as well as the [[TrueType]] format by [[Apple Inc|Apple]] and [[Microsoft]].

Ikarus uses a [[Spline (mathematics)|spline]] model of the outline shape of each [[character (computing)|character]] within a typeface to give a fully scalable representation. The curve segments are essentially circle arcs, with tangent continuity maintained at joins. It is a very simple format to mark up manually. Being a [[vector graphics|vector]]/curve based format, any rendering resolution can be attained (by [[rasterisation]]) with equal accuracy from one relatively small set of data. The Ikarus coordinates for a shape all fall on the outline of that shape (as opposed to [[Bézier curve]]s where 'control' points can be inside or outside the outline).

The functionality of Ikarus can be expanded using plug-ins.