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OS X Font Update

Posted : 24 April 03

This is the definitive article (so far) on OS X and fonts. It supercedes all other articles and information I have ever mentioned.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75494

If you have anything to do with fonts, particularly if you use them professionally then I suggest that you access this page, download, read and file this pdf from Apple. It covers virtually everything you need to know about OS X and fonts.
Even if you are not currently using OS X I suggest you get and read a copy of this file because one day (perhaps soon) you will be using OS X.

After having a thorough read of this article I was left wondering what all the fuss was about fonts and OS X.

Many designers have the following questions :
How can I organise my fonts for best access and ease of use?
How can I activate only the fonts I need to use?
What font types does OS X support?
How can I group fonts in families (or submenus within families)?
Where do I store fonts so that both OS 9 & X can access them?
How do I remove duplicate fonts so that I am using only the exact one I want?
What fonts cant I remove or relocate?
What are the best font utilities?
The above pdf answers all the above and far more. OS X 10.2 really has done a good job it seems. Surprised me anyway.
The one last remaining issue it seems is Quark running in classic mode under OS X. Modulo systems (the Quark importers for Australia) recently published a pdf regarding this issue. In a nutshell it says :
Should use Quark 5.01
Must use ATM Light 4.6.2 (not ATM Deluxe or Adobe Type Reunion)

This pdf is downloadable from :

http://www.modulosystems.com.au/partnerslogin/downloads/moduloforms/Using_XP5_in_OSX%20.pdf

The major problem here is Quark 5 - almost everyone is using Quark 4.1, and with the cost of the upgrade most are holding out until Quark 6 gets released. Catch 22.

I have no one using Font Reserve amongst my (known) clients systems. Anyone want to give me some feedback if you have tried it please?

Some other font articles of interest :
http://www.horizen.com.au/horizen/newsletters/fontosx.html
http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn2024.html
http://www.adobe.com/type/opentype/
http://www.extensis.com/suitcase/18g.html
http://www.fontreserve.com/products/frmac.html
http://developer.apple.com/internet/fonts/introduction.html
http://developer.apple.com/internet/fonts/fonts_sizing.html