KanjiCooker is originated from TypeCooker, that created by Erik van Blokland so as to generate recipes for sketching and exploring type, but specially modified the parameters for Kanji design.
If you don’t know what kind of letters to draw, KanjiCooker can give you some ideas. Try to match as many parameters as you can.
The horizontal extent of the letter. Basically the kanji is designed within a square box, but the width could be varied by different demands.
Weight
Weight
Relative darkness of the characters. The weight of a particular font is the thickness of the character outlines relative to the letter range.
Letter Range
Letter Range
The proportion of letter range affects the spacing of the character. It also determines the rhythm of text and the inner space.
Central
Central
The central counter is also called “Zhonggong”. The smaller central counter creates clearer contour and stronger tension in white space. The larger central counter earns more inner spaces for better legibility when it comes to small size.
Gravity
Gravity
The optical centre is where the eye focused. While Latin letters sit on the baseline, Chinese characters are aligned by the optical centre.
Stem
Stem
The stem is the main, usually vertical stroke of a letterform.
Construction
Construction
The construction will decide which direction (horizontal or vertical) you have to draw Kanji, and sometimes have to make companions with different scripts.
Stroke Features
Stroke Features
The stroke features could appear not only at the stroke endings but also the edge of an angle.This is one of the most important visual elements that brings out the flavour.
Contrast
Contrast
A quantity of the difference between thicks and thins.
Application
Application
The type is designed for specific application. The functionality has to be put in consideration.
Intended Size
Intended Size
The ideal size to be used.
Special
Special
Push to the limit! Let’s have some special addition!