TypeTalk: Set Fractions Faster in InDesign

Q. Is there a quick, easy way to format fractions when you’re using fonts that aren’t OpenType?

A. QuarkXPress has a Make Fraction feature for any font format (Style > Type Style > Make Fraction), but when I was first asked this question in 2007 (“Faking It With Fractions”), InDesign users had to build fractions manually. That’s time-consuming at best and unrealistic for a lengthy project with numerous fractions, such as a cookbook.

However, I’ve since discovered a nifty InDesign Script called Proper Fraction 2.0, created by Dan Rodney. It comes in two flavors: The Free version and Proper Fraction Pro ($75). Both are extremely easy to install and use.

The Free version automatically formats a selected fraction in any font format by scaling down the numerator and denominator, and inserting a proper fraction bar (sometimes referred to as a virgule). The downside of this free version is that the scaled-down fraction characters typically appear lighter than surrounding characters, and they can have uneven spacing between the glyphs.

Select the fraction…

Double-click on the Script in the Scripts panel…

…and voila!

If your work includes a lot of fractions, or you’re a stickler for professional-looking typography, you might want to spring for the more advanced Pro version. Proper Fraction Pro strokes the numerator and denominator for a more balanced thickness and better-looking fraction. It also includes the ability to custom-kern the space before and after your choice of numerals before and after the fraction bar. And last but not least, the Pro version can automatically format all fractions in an entire document, story or selection. Even if you have 4,000 fractions in a 300-page book, this script will convert them all in minutes.

To format multiple fractions, double-click the Format Multiple Fractions script in the Scripts panel.

Select the scope of the search and click OK.

Proper Fraction Pro has a robust set of preferences where you can kern numerals to the slash.

Both the Free and Pro versions are compatible with Mac and Windows, and both support InDesign CS2 through CS5.

For a deep dive into the fractions pool, see Jim Felici’s “Fractional Improvements” article.

Ilene Strizver is a noted typographic educator, author, designer and founder of The Type Studio in Westport, Connecticut. Her book, Type Rules! The designer’s guide to professional typography, is now in its 4th edition.
  • Anonymous says:

    Great article, Ilene. Just as a reminder to your readers, many typefaces have the most common ‘cookbook’ fractions (half, quarters, and sometimes thirds) already drawn and visible in the Glyphs palette (assuming you’re in a program that supports the Glyphs feature.)
    Many many more faces, especially those from Adobe, have an ‘Expert’ font with small caps, old-style numerals, and ready-made fractions that include eighths and thirds – as well as a full set of ten raised numerators, a matching set of lowered denominators, and a correctly drawn fraction bar. With those you can make any fraction. Best thing is, you can kern to your heart’s content.

    Some foundries, Emigre in particular, will include a ‘Fractions’ font, also with ready-mades and the tools to make your own. What’s special about Emigre Fractions fonts are the snazzy dingbats scattered among the numerals — all available with the help of the mighty Glyphs palette.
    Take a peek at Dalliance, Journal, and Mrs Eaves.

    // Chris Purcell
    Kansas City, MO

  • Anonymous says:

    RIght, use the type itself before making your own.
    ⅓ ⅔ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞ are all found in Arial (to use an ugly if commonly free font that has a load of fractions) – OK, those are showing up in Safari. I guess CreativePro uses Arial as its comments font? or is the system defaulting to Adobe symbols?

  • Anonymous says:

    Gudday CreativePro community
    I am a graphic designer working in Sydney Australia. I plan to visit New York in December and was hoping someone in North America could advise me if there are any conferences, workshops or seminars on in or near New York? Also, does anyone know of a great bookshop in NY that specialises in Graphic Design?

    thanks
    Mark Drolc

  • Anonymous says:

    I have such a struggle with tabs. I am working with a calendar and can’t see to get the tabs to work consistently. Any tips that could help?

  • Gayu says:

    This is a great solution and free for the thinking.

  • SERPLinker says:

    Also, does anyone know of a great bookshop in NY that specialises in Graphic Design?
    Cheers,
    Max @ Trafic Organique

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