Fix boxes or missing characters in MAME's Android UI font
If menu labels exist but some characters render as boxes, keep the selected language fixed and return uifont to default first. MAME documents that available characters depend on the UI font and that fallback substitution is not guaranteed. Use only a font lawfully installed or supplied by the package, confirm the effective fontpath, restart, and compare the same label.
Do this in order
- 01
Capture the exact missing label, chosen MAME UI language, package version, uifont value, and effective fontpath.
- 02
Switch uifont to MAME's default without changing the language, restart, and inspect the same label.
- 03
Confirm the selected language's files are present; a missing translation and a missing glyph are different failures.
- 04
If the default still lacks coverage, use only a documented package font or a font you are licensed to use and the port can read.
- 05
Restart after each single font change and compare menus, arrows, punctuation, and one configuration screen.
- 06
Restore the last readable font if coverage remains incomplete and report the package, language, font, and exact characters to its maintainer.
Decision and diagnostic table
| Evidence | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| English text appears instead | Translation entry/file missing | Verify language package |
| Boxes replace some characters | Font lacks glyphs | Test default or documented font |
| Font option has no effect | Wrapper/provider boundary | Read effective configuration |
| All UI text disappears | Invalid font/path | Restore default immediately |
A glyph box is evidence
It usually shows that MAME has text to draw but the active font cannot represent a character. Preserve the exact character sequence because broad statements like 'translation broken' hide the useful boundary.
Font files have rights too
A font being technically compatible does not make it redistributable. Prefer the package default or a font whose license covers installation and use on the device.
Use only games, firmware, artwork, audio, fonts, and other media you created, dumped lawfully, or received with permission covering your use. A frontend setting never grants redistribution rights, and ArcadeShelf does not link to ROM or BIOS packs.