Suggestion: Publish variable TTFs instead of many static TTFs

[BurtHarris]

Requirements

• I have searched the issues for my request and found nothing related or helpful
• I have checked the FAQ for help
• I have reviewed the Wiki for relevant information

Problem Description

Suggestion

Please publish fewer static TTF files and prefer variable/scalable TTF fonts where available. A large number of static fonts can be confusing for Windows users choosing fonts, even if they render well. Variable fonts also save space.

Description

Originally filed as PSModule/NerdFonts#47. This issue has now been redirected upstream to ryanoasis/nerd-fonts distributions rather than the installer.

Static TTFs encode a single style (for example, Light, Regular, BoldItalic). They are vector outlines and render crisply at any point size, but each file represents one fixed style combination.

Variable TTFs can contain multiple styles in a single file via axes such as wght, wdth, and slnt. They allow smooth interpolation between styles (for example, weight 300→900) and reduce the number of files needed.

Current behavior (repro)

PS C:\Users\burt_> get-font *nerd* | Measure-Object

Count             : 0
Average           :
Sum               :
Maximum           :
Minimum           :
StandardDeviation :
Property          :

PS C:\Users\burt_> Install-NerdFont -Name "CascadiaCode"
PS C:\Users\burt_> get-font *nerd* | Measure-Object

Count             : 36
Average           :
Sum               :
Maximum           :
Minimum           :
StandardDeviation :
Property          :

Expected behavior

On Windows, scalable/variable font files are sufficient for rendering across sizes; they produce fewer installed files and simplify font selection in editors and terminals.

Technical background

• DirectWrite (Windows 7+): Modern text rendering API that handles dynamic font scaling with high quality [Microsoft DirectWrite Documentation]
• ClearType: Subpixel font rendering technology optimized for scalable fonts [ClearType Overview]
• TrueType/OpenType support: Windows natively supports scalable font formats [Windows Font Technologies]

Microsoft's typography guidance indicates static, pre-baked bitmap or limited-format sizes are intended for embedded or constrained environments; modern Windows benefits from scalable/vector fonts.

Notes and environment

• OS: Windows 10 / 11
• PowerShell: 7.x
• Example source inspected: CascadiaCode.zip from current NerdFonts releases

References

• Microsoft DirectWrite API Documentation
• Windows Typography and Font Technologies
• ClearType Font Rendering Technology

Name	Value
PSVersion	7.5.3
PSEdition	Core
GitCommitId	7.5.3
OS	Microsoft Windows 10.0.26100
Platform	Win32NT
PSCompatibleVersions	{1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0…}
PSRemotingProtocolVersion	2.3
SerializationVersion	1.1.0.1
WSManStackVersion	3.0

Desired Solution

'variable' ttf fonts

Alternatives Considered

I'm not sure if this is feasible.

Additional Context

PSModule/NerdFonts#47.