Which Format Should I Order?

Whether you have purchased OpenType, PostScript, or TrueType fonts you will be able to install them onto your computer. However, if you need to use your fonts in a specific program, it is a good idea to consult the program's user guide to confirm that it supports all font formats.

The following descriptions provide greater detail on the different font formats and may be helpful in determining which format to purchase.

OpenType

OpenType, a joint effort from Adobe and Microsoft, is the latest font format to be introduced. Like TrueType, OpenType fonts contain both the screen and printer font data in a single component. However, the OpenType format has several exclusive capabilities including support for multiple platforms and expanded character sets. OpenType fonts can be used on either Macintosh or Windows operating systems. Additionally, the OpenType format permits the storage of up to 65,000 characters. This additional space provides type designers with the freedom to include add-ons such as small caps, old style figures, alternate characters and other extras that previously needed to be distributed as separate fonts. The suffixes Pro, Com and W1G are frequently used by designers and foundries to distinguish OpenType fonts that include these extra features and characters. Learn more about these varieties of OpenType fonts or about OpenType application and system support.

PostScript

The PostScript or "Type 1" font format was developed by Adobe in the 1980s, several years before the release of TrueType. The format is based on Adobe's PostScript printing technology - a programming language that allows for high-resolution output of resizable graphics. PostScript has long been viewed as a reliable choice, particularly for professional designers, publishers and printers.

PostScript fonts consist of two parts, which are both necessary for the font to be properly printed and displayed on screen. With most operating systems, PostScript fonts can be installed simply by being placed in the system's font folder. However, PC users working on operating systems that predate Windows 2000, need to install the free ATM (Adobe Type Manager) utility in order to use PostScript fonts.

TrueType

The TrueType format was jointly developed by Apple and Microsoft in the late 80s, several years after the release of the PostScript font format. Many of the fonts included with both the Macintosh and Windows operating systems are TrueType. TrueType fonts contain both the screen and printer font data in a single component, making the fonts easier to install. For this reason, TrueType is a good choice for those who have limited experience working with and installing fonts.

The TrueType format, also allows for "hinting," a process that improves the on-screen legibility of a font. On Fonts.com, fonts that have been hinted are marked as "ESQ" (Enhanced Screen Quality). ESQ fonts are excellent choices for electronic documents and other settings where lengthy blocks of text will be displayed on screen.

For more information you can log onto this website for all the details about TrueType. http://www.microsoft.com/typography