Mathematica Which font does mathematica use?

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The discussion centers on issues with Mathematica not displaying certain symbols, particularly Greek letters, the exponential function "e," and the imaginary unit, in a Linux environment using version 10.0. Despite exporting documents as PDF where symbols appear correctly, the user struggles with font compatibility and legibility within the software. Attempts to resolve the issue include installing the Bitstream Vera Sans font, which was found to be inadequate for Greek symbols. The user explored preferences and the option inspector but found limited success. A workaround involves printing to PDF for better visibility of expressions. Additional resources were consulted, including a tutorial on fonts for Linux and a related Stack Exchange thread, but these did not yield satisfactory results, particularly with inline documentation and subscripts. The overall sentiment reflects frustration with Mathematica's font system and its impact on usability.
JorisL
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Hey,

I have this problem where mathematica doesn't show certain symbols (greek letters for example).
In my current working document I have introduced other symbols but in the end it'll become a mess because several variables show up with similar names.

Screenshot_20160315_130023.png


When I export as pdf it does show the greek symbols.

Screenshot_20160315_130111.png


What's worse is that it doesn't show the exponential functions' "e" in full nor the imaginary unit.

I tried finding out what causes this (I'm on linux with mathematica 10.0) but can't seem to find the answer.
Perhaps I should find out which font Mathematica normally uses. (which isn't that clear)

Any ideas how to fix this? I installed the mathematica fonts as a longshot which didn't work.

Thanks,

Joris
 
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JorisL said:
Perhaps I should find out which font Mathematica normally uses. (which isn't that clear)
Is there anything in preferences?
 
In the option inspector (preferences>advanced>option inspector) I found a mentioning of "Bitstream Vera Sans".
Upon inspection it turned out I didn't have it installed, I installed it but to no avail.

So I checked the font again, it doesn't support the Greek alphabet.
http://www.dafont.com/bitstream-vera-sans.font?text=Ξ+ξ

Now I'm checking out what the following command does in the global preferences file

Code:
PrivatePaths->{"Fonts"->{FrontEnd`FileName[{$PreferencesDirectory, "Fonts", "Type1"}], FrontEnd`FileName[{$TopDirectory, "SystemFiles", "Fonts", "Type1"}]}}

I'll keep you posted.
 
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Well I'm stuck, the fontsystem mathematica uses really sucks (pardon my French).
I've been able to recuperate some greek symbols by removing them from FontMap.tr but they aren't really legible then.
Both the imaginary ##i## and the symbol used for Euler's constant ##e## don't show up that way.

Edit:
My current work around is to print to pdf whenever I evaluate some untested expression.
That way the pdf reloads on my second screen.
 
Are you on windows, mac or linux? Which version of MM?

If its Linux read this : https://reference.wolfram.com/language/tutorial/FontsOnLinux.html
 

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