Unicode to LT TAM Tamil Fonts

Unicode to LT TAM Tamil Font

Unicode Tamil Font

LT TAM Tamil Font

Unicode to LT TAM Tamil Font Conversion

Tamil language computing has evolved dramatically in the past two decades. Today, Unicode Tamil is the global standard for typing, displaying, and sharing Tamil text. But many traditional DTP (Desktop Publishing) and printing workflows still depend on legacy Tamil fonts like LT TAM. This creates a real need for Unicode to LT TAM Tamil font conversion.

In this guide, we will explain what Unicode is, how LT TAM works, why conversion is necessary, which tools are available, and a step-by-step process for performing the conversion.

Understanding Unicode Tamil

Unicode is a universal encoding system developed by the Unicode Consortium. For Tamil, Unicode allocates code points in the range U+0B80 – U+0BFF.

Benefits of Unicode Tamil:

  • Internationally recognized standard.
  • Works across computers, mobiles, and the web.
  • Compatible with databases, search engines, and SEO systems.
  • Copy-paste safe between any application.
  • Future-proof for archiving digital content.

Example: The Tamil word தமிழ் is stored in Unicode as U+0BA4 U+0BAE U+0BBF U+0BB4்.

Understanding LT TAM Tamil Font

LT TAM is a popular legacy Tamil font used in book publishing, banners, posters, and other DTP works. Unlike Unicode, it does not follow international encoding. Instead, it maps Tamil glyphs to ASCII character codes.

Key Features of LT TAM Font:

  • Widely used in printing houses, CorelDraw, and PageMaker.
  • Requires LT TAM.ttf font installed on the system.
  • Not SEO-friendly – search engines cannot read it.
  • Preferred by older DTP operators who trained with ASCII fonts.

Unicode vs. LT TAM – Key Differences

Feature Unicode Tamil LT TAM Font
Encoding Standard Unicode (U+0B80–U+0BFF) ASCII-based
Platform Support Universal (OS, apps, browsers) Only works with LT TAM.ttf
Search Engine Friendly Yes No
Copy-Paste Reliability Safe Breaks without font
Usage Area Websites, e-books, digital apps DTP, posters, traditional print

Why Convert Unicode to LT TAM?

  1. Printing Workflow: Printers and DTP shops still require LT TAM.
  2. Book Publishing: Legacy publishing templates are based on LT TAM.
  3. Design Consistency: Many designers prefer the LT TAM style.
  4. Workforce Familiarity: Typists and operators are trained on LT TAM.
  5. Archives: Old projects stored in LT TAM need Unicode text for updating.

Tools for Unicode to LT TAM Conversion

1. Online Converters

Websites allow copy-paste Unicode Tamil and convert instantly into LT TAM ASCII text.

2. Azhagi+ Software

Free tool that supports Unicode ↔ legacy Tamil font conversions including LT TAM.

3. NHM Converter

Lightweight Tamil converter tool widely used by DTP operators for font conversion.

4. Custom Scripts

Developers use Python or JavaScript scripts to convert Unicode Tamil into LT TAM encoding in bulk.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Method 1: Using Online Converter

  1. Copy your Unicode Tamil text.
  2. Open a Unicode ↔ LT TAM converter website.
  3. Paste text into the input box.
  4. Click “Convert to LT TAM.”
  5. Copy the output ASCII text.
  6. Paste it into DTP software.
  7. Apply LT TAM.ttf font.

Method 2: Using Azhagi+

  1. Install Azhagi+ software.
  2. Open Unicode ↔ Legacy converter.
  3. Paste Unicode Tamil content.
  4. Select “LT TAM” as target font.
  5. Click Convert.
  6. Copy output text and paste in PageMaker or Photoshop.

Method 3: Manual Mapping

With a Unicode ↔ LT TAM character mapping table, you can manually replace characters. This is practical only for short texts and corrections.

Common Problems in Conversion

  • Broken Ligatures: Some letter combinations may break.
  • Extra Spaces: Certain characters may cause alignment issues.
  • Font Dependency: Without LT TAM.ttf, text looks like English gibberish.
  • Special Letters: Rare Tamil letters may not map properly.
  • Software Auto-Correct: Word processors may alter characters.

Solutions: Always install the correct LT TAM font, clean text in Notepad before converting, and use reliable tools like Azhagi+.

Practical Applications

  • Newspapers: Unicode news can be converted to LT TAM for press printing.
  • Books: Authors writing in Unicode can convert manuscripts for DTP workflow.
  • Banners & Posters: Designers convert Unicode slogans into LT TAM for Photoshop/CorelDraw.
  • Election Campaigns: Posters and handbills use LT TAM layouts.
  • Archives: Old LT TAM files can be matched with Unicode content for reference.

Example Conversion

Unicode Tamil: தமிழ் ஒரு செம்மொழி

Converted ASCII Output:jij xU br«bkhÊ

When LT TAM.ttf font is applied, the text displays correctly in Tamil.

SEO Consideration

Important: LT TAM text is not SEO-friendly. Search engines cannot index ASCII Tamil text. Always maintain a Unicode version for web publishing and digital storage, and use LT TAM only for DTP and printing.

Conclusion

Unicode is the future of Tamil in digital platforms, ensuring global accessibility, compatibility, and SEO benefits. However, legacy fonts like LT TAM still play a major role in printing and DTP workflows.

By converting Unicode text into LT TAM, authors, designers, and publishers can collaborate with traditional printing presses seamlessly. With tools such as Azhagi+, NHM Converter, and online tools, this conversion is fast and efficient.

For long-term preservation and digital publishing, Unicode must be the master copy. LT TAM should be used only for printing and design purposes.