Any updates to this type of manager could add features like checking validity, licenses, or duplcation of fonts, acknowledge new formats like OT, and even resolve conflicts. To my mind, the paradigm of ATM and Suitcase is very worthy of maintenance: Put fonts in a logical place, like the job folder, or a temporary fonts folder, then use the Font Manager to activate or de-activate them, leaving them untouched. Still, it’s not enough to make me switch to a hoarding-style manager. I’ve only encountered one “bug” relating to font formats or conditions that prevent activation. Given these options, I’ve been very happy with Suitcase’s continued ability to reveal information without destroying data or my sanity. Putting fonts in the right folder in System 10 is like being in an alternate universe where ATM, Suitcase and everything else had never been invented. The reason is that I’m a font developer, and testing fonts a few times in the course of designing is a necessity. Does this new version of FontAgent move, copy, or otherwise actively change locations of fonts? I realize for shared situations like agencies, the server paradigm might seem a godsend, but I have to say, as a person who uses a few new fonts at a time, sometimes for a total of minutes, and then either THROWS THEM AWAY (gasp) or relegates them to a storage tank, I do NOT want the font manager to duplicate, shuffle, hide or otherwise act on my font data. If nothing else, its hurried release shows how urgent the OS X font crisis is. It may be the most unfinished piece of software Apple has spewed since OS X’s first versions. Hopefully the strong new features in FAP 2 will be a wake up call for Extensis and Alsoft.Īpple’s fledgling Font Book, by the way, is barely worthy of mention. While the other guys flail about with competition buyouts and slow, disappointing updates, Insider actually seems to care about making a decent font manager. Unfortunately, my experience with this feature was buggy — most of the fonts get cut off at the bottom.įontAgent Pro still lacks the solid UI of the now defunct ATM Deluxe and some irritating bugs need attention, but it remains the best thing we’ve got for OS X. New preview pane samples several fonts at once as line showings. Plug-ins for Illustrator CS, InDesign CS, and Photoshop CS join the existing auto-activators for their previous versions and Quark 6. UPDATE: This feature is part of a new product called FontAgent Pro Workgroup Edition I have yet to try this, but I will very soon and report here. FAP uses Rendezvous to allow you to share fonts with no configuration. For example: make a set for a client and various sets within for each of that client’s projects. Now powered by an industrial-strength SQL database, the developers claim FAP is better at handling large font collections. UPDATE, JAN 13: The new features are now listed at Insider Software’s site. Enhancements to the most capable font manager for OS X include: Insider Software released FontAgent Pro 2.0 this week. It will also check for duplicate or orphaned font files.Written by Stephen Coles on January 10, 2004 FontAgent Pro will verify all your fonts, checking them for corruption or damage, and it will remove them if it finds problems. FontAgent lets you set up multiple libraries to avoid confusion if you receive fonts from clients or other outside sources. The easiest way to begin building a comprehensive library is simply to drag your hard-drive icon into the library pane on the left. FontAgent’s printed documentation is sparse, but font-management novices will appreciate the application’s simple tutorial when they’re getting started = it’s located in the Secrets menu. The upper right pane shows sets, and the lower right one is for previews. On the left of the main window is the library and sets pane its tabs are similar in appearance to Microsoft Internet Explorer’s various tabs (History, Favorites, and so on). Libraries, Sets, and SecretsįontAgent Pro’s multipaned window interface is similar to Font Reserve’s and Suitcase’s, but FontAgent Pro has some subtle differences. But most casual users don’t need to worry about such issues. Insider Software today announced the availability of FontAgent® Pro 4 for Windows Vista and XP. This feature is an asset for pro designers, who often use fonts that might conflict or become confused with system fonts. FontAgent will move your original system fonts into a new folder that you can easily retrieve in an emergency. Download FontAgent 10.0.15. This allows you to use FontAgent Pro to activate, deactivate, delete, or move system fonts wherever or however you wish. If you let FontAgent Pro take control of your system fonts, it then copies them into a new FontAgent Pro fonts folder.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |