Using fonts that aren't on iPhone

Question

I'd like to use some fonts that aren't part of the iPhone OS. I've seen games that use non standard fonts. I can install the fonts, create images for each one in Photoshop and then use those images in the iPhone app. However, I don't think that is a practical way to go. If the color or tint needs to be adjusted (because of background) or size, I'll have to redesign every font I'm using. Is there a better way to do this?

I read this Can I embed a custom font in an iPhone application? and downloaded the open source font label app. However, it crashes most of the time when I try using particular fonts. In regards to the last comment about using UIFont with the fontWithName:size, that certainly doesn't work. Your font variable will be nil. Listing all available fonts reveals why - none of the custom fonts are in the list.

I've also read How do I include a font with my iPhone application?, which definitely does not work. Same as last comment in above link.

Answer 1

The correct answer is to use FontLabel, which can be found on GitHub. http://github.com/zynga/FontLabel

I've used that code in several real-world project and it's absolutely fantastic.

UPDATE:

As of iOS 3.2 (iPad only) & iOS 4 on the iPhone, you can package TTF fonts within your app bundle. After entering them into your Info.plist using the UIAppFonts key.

Three step instructions here: http://kgriff.posterous.com/45359635