There are different font formats - which one should I choose?
Your choice of font format should be based on your computer environment and the kind of documents you create. Here are some general guidelines:
OpenType (.otf)
Fontsmith OpenType fonts contain PostScript® (PS) outlines, and have an .OTF file extension. OpenType fonts can contain a large number of characters which can support many languages as well as advanced typographic features. By making our OpenType fonts in PS outlines, the font outlines and design remain as the designer intended. Most printers use PostScript technology. The main benefits of the OpenType format are its cross-platform compatibility as the same font file can be installed and work on both Macintosh and Windows computers.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.adobe.com/type/opentype
http://www.adobe.com/type/browser/OTReadMe.html
TrueType (.ttf)
Fontsmith TrueType fonts are technically OpenType fonts containing TrueType® outlines, and have a .TTF file extension. TrueType is the original Windows PC font format but it also works on a Macintosh system. TrueType is often required for use with specialist software or on older Windows PC systems.
PostScript Type 1 (.suit)
This is the original Macintosh font format. Type 1 fonts for PostScript and PostScript compatible printers consist of more than one file and have a limited character set. These limitations are overcome with OpenType fonts. OpenType PS fonts are replacing Type 1 fonts as users upgrade their systems.
We have some legacy versions of our fonts in PS. However, we do not offer tech support for this format any longer.
Can I use OpenType fonts on my Mac?
OpenType fonts work in most applications but there are a few applications that they won’t work in.
These are listed below
-
Adobe Dimensions 3
- Illustrator 7 and 8 (versions 9 & 10 work but without CE Characters)
- Photoshop 5.0 (versions 5.5 through to 7 all work but without CE Characters)
- Adobe PhotoDeluxe 1-3
- ImageReady 1.0
- Acrobat 4
In these instances we recommend that you use the PostScript format. Please contact us to find out how to get a Postscript version of your font, as we no longer supply these via our website.
Should I purchase the TrueType or the OpenType fonts for my PC?
Fontsmith recommends purchasing OpenType fonts for your Windows PC except when using the following applications:
- Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, running on 2003 server
- Coral Draw v
- Powerpoint
In these instances we recommend that you purchase the TrueType font format. See known issues with XP