NSLog displays the "treble clef" unicode, but the UILabel does not

Question

I'm trying to display the "treble clef" in a UILabel, but it doesn't work. However, NSLog is able to display it.

NSString *strM = @"\U0001d11e";
NSLog(@"treble clef works: %@",strM); //works
NSLog(@"works: "); //works

UILabel *lbl = [[UILabel alloc] initWithFrame:CGRectMake(0, 0, 100, 50)];
[self.view addSubview:lbl];
lbl.text = strM; //shows "empty" or (box around a question mark)

What am I missing to display that Unicode character in a UILabel?

Answer 1

Since Xcode happens to use a font which has a glyph for the treble clef character, it shows up in the NSLog message.

However, the font that UILabel is using doesn't happen to contain a glyph for that particular Unicode character. That's why you're seeing a "box around a question mark."

If you try a more common Unicode character, you'd see there is no problem with the code itself.

One option is to switch to a different font which supports that particular character.

If that isn't possible, you could try to use an NSAttributedString with an inline image of the treble clef.

Answer 2

• Had to look into the Fonts that support Treble Clef as PetehChristian(gave him a point) said. http://www.fileformat.info/info/unicode/char/1d11e/fontsupport.htm Liked Symbola: http://users.teilar.gr/~g1951d/Symbola.zip
• Unzipped the file and dragged it to Xcode: Supporting Files. Bundled it into the target.
• Make sure in the BuildPhases:Copy Bundle Resources.
• Had to also put in the Info.plist: add(Fonts Provided by application). And add the file: Symbola.ttf.

• Then verified the font was in the system:

  NSArray *fontFamilies = [UIFont familyNames];
  for (int i = 0; i < [fontFamilies count]; i++)
  {
      NSString *fontFamily = [fontFamilies objectAtIndex:i];
      NSArray *fontNames = [UIFont fontNamesForFamilyName:[fontFamilies objectAtIndex:i]];
      NSLog (@"%@: %@", fontFamily, fontNames);
  }
  

• subclassed UIView:(this is best for me anyway)

  [(NSString*) @"\U0001d11e" drawInRect:CGRectMake(50+10, 50-15, 80, 20) withFont:[UIFont boldSystemFontOfSize:100]];

• To put out the unicode to label:(still issues here)

  [lbl setFont:[UIFont fontWithName:@"Symbola.ttf" size: 40]];
  lbl.text = @"\U0001D11E";