Troubleshooting Custom Fonts in Storyboards with Xcode 9.1

Storyboards are an essential part of user interface design in iOS development, allowing developers to create complex interfaces that change dynamically at runtime. When creating a new storyboard, adding custom fonts can be crucial for enhancing the visual appeal and overall user experience of an app. However, there have been instances where custom fonts added to a project do not show up in the storyboard, causing frustration among developers. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this issue and explore possible solutions.

Understanding Font Management in Xcode

Xcode 9.1 introduces several changes to its font management system, which can impact how fonts are displayed in storyboards. To understand these changes, it’s essential to grasp the basics of font management in Xcode. In Xcode 8 and earlier, fonts were managed using a separate Fonts folder within the project directory. This folder contained all the fonts used by the project.

In contrast, Xcode 9.1 introduces a new approach to font management, which uses the Info.plist file to specify font resources for the app. The Info.plist file is an essential part of any iOS project and contains metadata about the project, such as its name, version, and build settings.

Adding Fonts to Info.plist

To add custom fonts to a storyboard in Xcode 9.1, developers need to include these fonts in the Info.plist file. This can be done by adding a new key called “Fonts” under the “UIResourceDirectory” section of the Info.plist file.

{
    "Fonts": [
        {
            "FontData": <font-data>,
            "Name": "<font-name>",
            "Traits": ["ui-font-weight-normal", "ui-font-style-roman"]
        }
    ],
    "UIResourceDirectory": "/path/to/resource/directory"
}

The Issue: Fonts Not Showing in Storyboards

So, why might custom fonts not be showing up in storyboards after adding them to the Info.plist file? There are several possible reasons for this issue:

1. Font Files Are Missing

If the font files (e.g., .ttf, .otf) specified in the Info.plist file do not exist on the target device or emulator, the fonts will not be displayed. This can happen if the project was developed on another machine and the font files were not installed.

2. Resource Directory Path Is Incorrect

If the resource directory path specified in the Info.plist file is incorrect, the font files may not be loaded correctly. The path should point to a location where the font files are stored and can be accessed by the app.

3. Storyboard File Does Not Include Font Reference

If the storyboard file does not include a reference to the custom fonts added in the Info.plist file, they will not be displayed. This requires that the font names used in the Info.plist file are also included as strings in the storyboard file.

4. App Target Is Set Incorrectly

In some cases, the app target may be set incorrectly, causing the fonts to not be loaded correctly. The app target specifies which SDKs and frameworks are available for use in the project.

Solving the Issue: A Step-by-Step Guide

To resolve the issue of custom fonts not showing up in storyboards, follow these steps:

1. Clean and Rebuild the Project

Before trying any other solutions, clean and rebuild the project to ensure that all dependencies are properly resolved.

// Go to Product > Clean Build Folder

2. Double-Click on Fonts and Clean the Project

If the issue persists, try double-clicking on each font file in the Fonts folder of the project directory, then clean the project by going to Product > Clean and Run.

// Go to Product > Clean Build Folder

3. Quit Xcode and Open Again

Quitting Xcode and reopening can sometimes resolve issues with font loading.

// Close Xcode
// Wait for a few seconds
// Open Xcode again

4. Check Resource Directory Path

Verify that the resource directory path specified in the Info.plist file is correct. Make sure to include the / character at the beginning of the path.

{
    "Fonts": [
        {
            "FontData": <font-data>,
            "Name": "<font-name>",
            "Traits": ["ui-font-weight-normal", "ui-font-style-roman"],
            "ResourceDirectory": "/path/to/resource/directory"
        }
    ],
    "UIResourceDirectory": "/path/to/resource/directory"
}

5. Include Font References in Storyboard File

Make sure that the font names used in the Info.plist file are also included as strings in the storyboard file.

{
    // Create a new string reference
    "FontName": "<font-name>"
    // Use the string reference in the storyboard
    "Label.Font": "FontName"
}

6. Set App Target Correctly

Verify that the app target is set correctly, ensuring that it matches the SDKs and frameworks required by the project.

// Go to General > Deployment Info
// Select the correct App Target

By following these steps and understanding the reasons behind font loading issues in Xcode 9.1 storyboards, developers can troubleshoot and resolve custom font-related problems efficiently.

Conclusion

Adding custom fonts to a storyboard in Xcode 9.1 is essential for enhancing the visual appeal of an iOS app. However, when these fonts do not show up in the storyboard, it can be frustrating. By understanding how font management works in Xcode 9.1 and following the steps outlined in this article, developers can troubleshoot and resolve custom font-related issues.

Last modified on 2023-08-26