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Slabtype Algorithm
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Slabtype Algorithm

by Erik Loyer
2007

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Originally developed for Public Secrets, the Slabtype algorithm takes arbitrary text and calculates how to split and size it such that it fits in an arbitrary rectangle in an aesthetically pleasing way. The algorithm was later adapted as a jQuery plugin, and then to Javascript/Canvas. A four-part blog series describes the algorithm in detail.

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Slabtype was originally designed for the interface of the interactive documentary Public Secrets.

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The algorithm transforms arbitrary text input…

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…into a rectangular “slab” of text designed to fit in a specified rectangle.

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