TeXipedia

ae

Provides virtual fonts that simulate T1-encoded text using Computer Modern fonts, primarily for generating PDF files with Type 1 font support.

Overview

Offers a practical solution for creating documents with European language support using standard Computer Modern fonts through virtual font technology. While historically significant for PDF creation with Type 1 fonts, its relevance has diminished with modern alternatives.

  • Creates virtual T1-encoded fonts using traditional Computer Modern (CM) fonts
  • Particularly useful when working with legacy LaTeX systems or documents
  • Enables basic European character support without requiring actual EC fonts
  • Serves as a lightweight alternative to larger font packages

Note: Modern users typically prefer more comprehensive solutions like Latin Modern or CM-Super fonts for full T1 encoding support.

Getting Started

To use ae, include it in your document preamble:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{ae}

Note that this package is largely obsolete as direct substitutes for the bitmapped EC fonts are now available via the CM-super, Latin Modern, and CM-LGC font sets. The ae package was primarily used to produce PDF files with Type 1 fonts when T1 encoding was needed.

Examples

Using the ae package to emulate T1 encoded fonts with Computer Modern fonts.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{ae}
\begin{document}
This document uses the AE fonts (Almost European) which emulate T1 encoded fonts
using the standard Computer Modern fonts. This was historically useful for producing
PDF files with Type 1 fonts instead of bitmapped EC fonts.

Special characters like: é è ê ë ç ô œ æ ø å
\end{document}

Comparing text with and without the ae package.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{ae}
\begin{document}
\section*{Without AE package (OT1 encoding)}
{\fontencoding{OT1}\selectfont
Text with accented characters: \'e \`e \^e \"e \c{c} \^o \oe \ae \o \aa
}

\section*{With AE package (T1 encoding)}
Text with accented characters: é è ê ë ç ô œ æ ø å
\end{document}