Font Organizers Review, Part I

Posted by David D. Deprice on: 2005-08-14 15:26:49

Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on your PC? What is the difference between OpenType, TrueType, PostScript Type 1 and Printer fonts? If the answer is 'No', it's time to consider getting a font organizer.

Typograf

This extremely well-done 32-bit app lets you preview, print, and manage TrueType and Type 1 fonts. You can use it to view font samples, whether the fonts are installed or not; sort font previews by filename, directory, font name, size, date, kerning pairs, copyright, and more; display a font's properties, including general, metric, and kerning information; and check out a typeface to see what (if any) extended characters it has.

You can also use Typograf to compare fonts, print several types of sample pages, organize fonts into a database, and place fonts into groups that can be instantly activated and deactivated. If you're a real font fanatic, you'll appreciate the excellent typeface tutorial in the Help file, complete with a typeface history. Other features include the ability to search for duplicates; shortcuts to Control Panel, Adobe Type Manager (if installed), and the Registry Editor; and the ability to see the keyboard layout of each font.

Additional Informantion: http://www.deprice.com/typograf.htm

CrossFont

CrossFont for Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and XP can convert TrueType and PostScript Type1 fonts between Macintosh and PC platforms. The program converts PostScript Type 1 fonts between Windows PC and Macintosh as well as TrueType fonts between Windows PC and Macintosh. It also generates missing supporting font files (AFM, PFM, INF, PFA, etc.) and supports OS X data fork fonts (.dfont).

When CrossFont is used, character outlines, metrics and hinting are preserved. You can also drop font files and folders onto main window for easy recognition. In addition to that, the program automatically determines font file types and automatically searches folders and subfolders for supported file types (and automatically assigns kerning if it exists, too).

Other handy features include right click menu for fast operation and recorgnition for files from Mac file systems on NT (SFM Services).

Additional Information: http://www.deprice.com/crossfont.htm

About the Author

John Deprice owns and operates http://www.deprice.com