Frequently Asked Questions About OpenType
Updated September 10, 2007
What is OpenType?
OpenType is a font format jointly developed by Adobe and Microsoft which has many advantages over older PostScript Type 1 and TrueType font formats, including:
- Only one file is needed for each font
- The same font file can be used on either Macintosh or Windows
- Fonts are not limited to 200-or-so characters (in fact, they can contain thousands)
- Support for Unicode
- Multi-language support is possible
- Advanced typographic features such as small caps, alternate characters, ligatures, etc., can be included in a font eliminating the difficulties of "expert set" fonts
- Alternate characters and ligatures can be set up to be used automatically in context
Which of these features are supported in OpenType fonts from Mark Simonson Studio?
Specific OpenType feature support varies. Font sample pages for each font family include notes about which OpenType features are included.
Will OpenType fonts from Mark Simonson Studio work on my computer?
OpenType is supported directly on MacOS X and Windows 2000 or XP.
On MacOS 8.6 through 9.2, ATM Lite 4.6.2 or later is required. On Windows 95, 98, ME, or NT 4.0, ATM 4.1.2 or later is required. ATM can be downloaded free from Adobe.
Adobe has an OpenType information page on their website about their OpenType fonts. Most of what's there also applies to my OpenType fonts.
Will OpenType fonts work with my favorite application?
Yes, but depending on the application, you may not have access to the advanced typographic features. In some cases, you may only get access to the first two hundred or so characters (the ones typically included in a traditional standard font).
At this time, programs that have access the extra characters (small caps, alternate characters, etc.) include the most recent versions of Adobe Illustrator (CS or later), Adobe Photoshop (7.0 or later), and Adobe InDesign (all versions), and QuarkXPress 7.0 or later. Programs that support Unicode (CorelDRAW 10 or later, for example) can also access the extra characters using Windows' Character Map or the MacOS X Character Palette. Most "Cocoa" applications on Mac OS X also have full access to extended characters and OpenType features by choosing "Characters..." and "Typography..." from the pop-up menu at the bottom of the standard Font window.
More information about application compatibility with OpenType fonts can be found on the MyFonts website.
But, that's not fair! I want to use those extra characters and I don't have any of those fancy new programs!
As a service to those with OpenType-challenged programs, I include supplementary fonts with some of the extra characters moved into the standard character set in place of the normal characters. These are also OpenType format, so you can still use them on either Macintosh or Windows. They don't work quite as neatly as the primary full-featured version of the fonts, so only use them if you must. Information on how to use the supplementary fonts is included with the fonts. However, I highly recommend getting one of the fancy new programs to get the most out of OpenType fonts from Mark Simonson Studio.
I do have one of those fancy new programs. How do I get access to all the goodies?
In programs like Adobe InDesign, when you select "small caps" from the character palette, the small cap characters built into the font are used automatically (rather than scaling down capitals). Things like f-ligitures are used automatically (unless you turn them off).
The other features are accessed in the character palette via the options pop-up menu. In InDesign, for instance, there is a submenu called "OpenType" in the Character palette. For example, you can select a capital letter in your text and then select "Swash" from the OpenType menu to get the swash alternate. All the features except the ones shown in brackets [like this] are supported in the font you're using.
In addition, you can open the "Glyphs" palette (in the menu Window > Type & Tables > Glyphs) which shows you every character in the font. Double clicking on one will insert it into the text at the cursor point or text selection.
Photoshop CS has the OpenType features in the options pop-up menu of the Character palette. Illustrator CS has an OpenType palette and a Glyph palette.
For more information on using OpenType fonts in these programs, check the manuals and Adobe's online guide to OpenType.
Are your OpenType fonts available in any of the older font formats?
No. All new fonts from Mark Simonson Studio will be released in OpenType format only. However, fonts released before 2004 will be available in older formats by special request, once OpenType versions are added.
When will your older fonts be availble in OpenType format?
I am keen to offer my older fonts in OpenType format, but I want to do more than just change the format. My plan is to add new features and extended character sets to the fonts and take the opportunity to make design improvements, much as I did with Proxima Nova (which was based on my older Proxima Sans family). This will take time, but the process is already underway, so I hope it won't be long.
I've heard there are two kinds of OpenType fonts, TrueType-flavored and PostScript-flavored. What do yours taste like?
My OpenType fonts are "PostScript-flavored" (also called OpenType CCF). I chose this format because it offers the widest range of compatibility with existing operating systems, especially in publishing environments. ("TrueType-flavored" OpenType fonts do not work with pre-MacOS X systems.)
I have a less frequently asked question about your OpenType fonts.
Contact me and I'll be happy to answer it.