Harfbust: a Font Software Puzzle for the Curious

Posted4 months ago

behdad

3 points

1 comments

behdad.github.ioTechstory

calmpositive

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FontsTypographySoftware Development

Key topics

Fonts

Typography

Software Development

A font software puzzle challenges users to figure out how 'HarfBust.ttf' behaves differently on various software.

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01Story posted
Sep 9, 2025 at 9:53 PM EDT
4 months ago
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Discussion (1 comments)

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behdadAuthor

4 months ago

I have a puzzle for the hacker in you: The font HarfBust.ttf is an offshoot of Anton Regular, with a twist:

  - On software using HarfBuzz (as far back as you go, back to the 2000s) and HarfBuzz only, it will ligate "HarfBuzz" to the HarfBuzz logo.

  - On software using HarfRust and HarfRust only, it will ligate "HarfRust" to the HarfBuzz logo.

  - On software using HarfBuzz, HarfRust, or DirectWrite, but not CoreText, it will ligate "HarfBust" to the HarfBuzz logo.

How does this work? The font does not use any non-standard OpenType features like `HARF`/`Harf`/`BUZZ`/`Buzz` (which HarfBuzz / HarfRust apply).

Enjoy, --behdad

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ID: 45192123Type: storyLast synced: 11/17/2025, 6:09:48 PM

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