Font Problems with LO Calc (kerning and unprintable characters)

[LKeithJordan]

UPDATE 2016.0624

I just updated LO on my Linux machine to Version 5.1.4.2. I tested both of the issues reported earlier concerning the Windows edition of LO Calc, Version 5.1.3. The Linux edition tested fine, so these issues are specific to Windows LO 5.1.3.

I will report my findings via Bugzilla.

=========

I just commented on another post at Input line in calc not legible, but I’ve decided to start a new post based on what I’m finding.

I’m running LO 5.x (see below) on a Windows 7 machine.

Finding 1

After downloading and installing LO 5.1.3, the LO Calc input line displays an unprintable character symbol (the black rectangle) for the number 1. You can actually see the number 1 in the corresponding spreadsheet cell.

I rebooted my computer and the problem was still there. I uninstalled LO 5.1.3 and reinstalled LO 5.1.2. The problem disappeared.

Finding 2

Before uninstalling LO 5.1.3, I noticed a gap between the letters “w” and “r” in the word “rewritten.” When I reinstalled LO 5.1.2, I found the gap was still there.

Some experimenting seems to indicate this kerning issue only exists with certain fonts. In fact, I have only found two fonts so far that exhibit this problem: Arial and Liberation Sans.

Both of these issues appear to me to be bugs. Has anyone else encountered either of these problems?

[LKeithJordan]

UPDATE 2016.0705

I moved the 2016.0626 update here from my original post, and I will add my final comments in order to answer my question and mark it closed.

I just tried to reproduce the kerning issue in response to a request concerning my report on Bugzilla. As with the unprintable characters issue, the problem seems to have inexplicably disappeared.

As I mentioned in bug reports 100590 and 100591, I do not like problems that “fix themselves” without explanation. You cannot intentionally repeat success, nor can you intentionally reproduce the problem and fix it in such situations.

For now, I suppose I must follow the advice of Buovjaga regarding bug report 100590 and “try to be happy the issue is gone.”

=========

UPDATE 2016.0626

The unprintable characters problem seems to have resolved itself, although I have no explanation. Basically, all I did was reinstall LO 5.1.3.2 and the problem did not reappear.

For a better understanding of the events leading to this “resolution,” read https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=100590#c5.

The kerning problem still exists and appears specific to LO for Windows.

=========