Non-integer Font Sizes

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Introduction

When working with Microsoft Word documents using the docx library in Python, you may encounter issues with non-integer font sizes. This article will explore the problem, its causes, and potential solutions.

The Issue

When trying to access the font size of a run in a Word document, you may encounter a ValueError with the message invalid literal for int() with base 10: '36.56250317891439'. This error occurs because the docx library expects font sizes to be integers, but in some cases, they can be non-integer values.

The Cause

The cause of this issue lies in the XML schema used by Microsoft Word. According to the schema, font sizes should be integers. However, in some cases, Word may store non-integer values, such as 36.56250317891439, which is a valid measurement in points (pt). This value is then passed to the docx library, which attempts to convert it to an integer, resulting in the ValueError.

The Solution

One potential solution to this issue is to modify the docx library to handle non-integer font sizes. Specifically, you can change the line return Pt(int(str_value) / 2.0) in docx/oxml/simpletypes.py:265 to return Pt(float(str_value) / 2.0). This will allow the library to handle non-integer font sizes as floats, which should be harmless.

Alternative Solutions

Another potential solution is to use a different library that can handle non-integer font sizes, such as python-docx2. This library is a fork of the original docx library and includes additional features and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Non-integer font sizes can be a problem when working with Microsoft Word documents using the docx library in Python. By understanding the cause of the issue and potential solutions, you can work around this problem and continue to use the docx library to manipulate Word documents.

Related Issues

This issue is similar to earlier issue #1335, where the XML schema says that non-integer font sizes are invalid, but they can still occur in Word documents.

Code Changes

To modify the docx library to handle non-integer font sizes, you can make the following changes:

  • Open the file docx/oxml/simpletypes.py in your Python environment.
  • Locate the line return Pt(int(str_value) / 2.0) and replace it with return Pt(float(str_value) / 2.0).

Example Use Case

Here is an example of how you can use the modified docx library to handle non-integer font sizes:

import docx

# Open a Word document
doc = docx.Document('example.docx')

# Access the font size of a run
run = doc.paragraphs[0].runs[0]
font_size = run.font.size

# Print the font size
print(font_size)

In this example, the docx library will handle the non-integer font size 36.56250317891439 as a float, allowing you to access and manipulate the font size of the run.

Commit Message

If you were to commit the changes to the docx library, your commit message might look like this:

Fix non-integer font sizes by changing int to float in docx/oxml/simpletypes.py

API Documentation

If you were to document the changes to the docx library, your API documentation might include the following information:

  • Function: ST_HpsMeasure.convert_from_xml
  • Description: Converts an XML value to a measurement in points (pt).
  • Parameters: str_value (the XML value to convert)
  • Returns: A measurement in points (pt) as a float.
  • Raises: ValueError if the XML value is not a valid measurement in points (pt).
    Non-integer font sizes: Q&A =============================

Q: What is the issue with non-integer font sizes in Microsoft Word documents?

A: The issue arises when Microsoft Word stores font sizes as non-integer values, such as 36.56250317891439, which is a valid measurement in points (pt). When the docx library attempts to convert this value to an integer, it raises a ValueError.

Q: Why does Microsoft Word store font sizes as non-integer values?

A: According to the XML schema used by Microsoft Word, font sizes should be integers. However, in some cases, Word may store non-integer values to accommodate more precise measurements.

Q: How can I fix the issue with non-integer font sizes in the docx library?

A: You can modify the docx library to handle non-integer font sizes by changing the line return Pt(int(str_value) / 2.0) in docx/oxml/simpletypes.py:265 to return Pt(float(str_value) / 2.0). This will allow the library to handle non-integer font sizes as floats.

Q: Are there any alternative solutions to fix the issue with non-integer font sizes?

A: Yes, you can use a different library that can handle non-integer font sizes, such as python-docx2. This library is a fork of the original docx library and includes additional features and bug fixes.

Q: What are the potential consequences of using a modified docx library to handle non-integer font sizes?

A: Using a modified docx library to handle non-integer font sizes may introduce additional bugs or issues, especially if the library is not thoroughly tested. However, in this case, the change is relatively minor and should not have significant consequences.

Q: How can I verify that the modified docx library is working correctly?

A: You can test the modified docx library by opening a Word document with non-integer font sizes and accessing the font size of a run. If the library is working correctly, it should return the font size as a float without raising a ValueError.

Q: What are some best practices for working with non-integer font sizes in Microsoft Word documents?

A: When working with non-integer font sizes, it's essential to:

  • Use a library that can handle non-integer font sizes, such as python-docx2.
  • Test the library thoroughly to ensure it's working correctly.
  • Be aware of the potential consequences of using a modified library.

Q: Can I use the modified docx library to handle non-integer font sizes in other scenarios?

A: Yes, the modified docx library can be used to handle non-integer font sizes in other scenarios, such as:

  • Working with other types of documents that store font sizes as non-integer values.
  • Using the library to manipulate font sizes in other applications.

Q: How can I contribute to the development of the docx library to improve its handling of non-integer font sizes?

A: You can contribute to the development of the docx library by:

  • Reporting issues and bugs related to non-integer font sizes.
  • Submitting pull requests with changes to improve the library's handling of non-integer font sizes.
  • Participating in discussions and providing feedback on the library's development.