how can I render a font

[jinoh67]

I want to use a custom font in my game, but I don't know what the best way is.

1. Make individual sprites/bg/tile for one character
2. Overlap the fonts on the sprites/bg/tile
3. Make sprites/bg in tile mode.

Which one is best, and how can I implement it?
I think first is a good way to render a font..
(The fonts have transparent background)

[WinterMute]

There isn't really a right answer to this, it largely depends on how you intend to use the font in game.

[sverx]

If you plan to use a 8px fixed width font, the faster approach is to use a text BG for that. If you want to use a variable width font, I guess you will be forced to render them on a bitmap BG. There can be other options in between

[StevenH]

There's always my partially completed graphics console lib, that I've got to update at some point, just finding time between work and relaxing is hard.