How do I configure Mathematica to work with the Common Desktop Environment?

Some users experience a problem when trying to run the X front end under the Common Desktop Environment. The usual symptoms are the following error messages followed by a coredump and a crash.

Warning: Cannot convert string "-dt-interface-system-medium-r-normal-s*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*" to type FontSet Warning: Unable to load any useable fontset Warning: Cannot convert string "-dt-interface-system-medium-r-normal-s*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*:" to type FontList Memory fault(coredump)

This problem arises because Mathematica® can't recognize your system defined fonts.

As a workaround, define the fonts you are using in the XMathematica file, which is typically located in

/usr/local/mathematica/SystemFiles/FrontEnd/SystemResources/X/XMathematica.

Edit this file and add the following lines.

XMathematica*FontList:           -*-lucidatypewriter-medium-r-normal-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
XMathematica*buttonFontList:     -*-lucidatypewriter-bold-r-normal-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
XMathematica*labelFontList:      -*-lucidatypewriter-bold-r-normal-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
XMathematica*textFontList:       -*-lucidatypewriter-medium-r-normal-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 

The choice of lucida typewriter fonts was made since they are standard fonts on most X systems. This should work for any standard font selection. If you continue having problems, please contact Technical Support.

Download this FAQ as a Mathematica 5.2 Notebook

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