Font management software programs reviewed

Choosing a font manager

Choosing a font management tool is not to be taken lightly. Some of the most annoying computer problems that graphic designers face are the result of font issues and the choice of a good font manager can make a big difference.

Corrupt fonts, duplicate fonts, missing fonts and PostScript errors. All of these are every day problems for designers. And all of these can be controlled far more easily with a good font management tool.

But what features should a good font management program have? The ability to check for corrupt and missing fonts is a must. As is the ability to switch fonts on and off when required - too many open fonts can slow the system down and increases the likely hood of font duplication errors, printing problems and file corruption.

Automatic font activation is also a great time saver. Any good font management application needs to have the ability to load the necessary document fonts for all the major graphic design applications, such as QuarkXpress, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Of course graphic designers do not always work in isolation. Good studio management requires that all members of the design team are using the same set of fonts for each job. This is where cross-network server font management functionality is crucial and most of the reviewed font management applications have a server enabled version of their software.

Choosing a font manager > Suitcase > MasterJuggler > FontAgent Pro

4 March 2006

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• Glossary of fonts and typography

Forum discussions

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• Organizing fonts
• Are free fonts worth using
• MasterJuggler Vs Suitcase