using old postscript fonts in OS X

[Matthew David Hills]

I've got a number of older adobe postscript fonts
they came in two files:
Woodtype Ornaments 2
file type: FFIL
creator : DMOV
file size: 14k
WoodtOrnTwo
file type: LWFN
creator : ASPF
file size: 42k


My understanding is that the first file contains the basic font information
and preview information, while the other contains the actual postscript code.
Placing the first file (either alone, or with the second file) in
~/Library/Fonts allows it to be used in programs...

Is it as simple as this? when do I need the second file?
(I've heard that a lot of people have problems with fonts, so trying to
keep my eyes open for potential problems and then give them a wide birth)

Thanks,
Matt

[Charles Dyer]

On Sat, 5 Jul 2003 19:09:55 -0500, Matthew David Hills wrote
(in message <be7pcj$mrr$1@news.Stanford.EDU>):

>
> I've got a number of older adobe postscript fonts
> they came in two files:
> Woodtype Ornaments 2
> file type: FFIL
> creator : DMOV
> file size: 14k

That's the bitmapped screen font. If you don't have that, no app is going to
know you have the font.

> WoodtOrnTwo
> file type: LWFN
> creator : ASPF
> file size: 42k

That's the PostScript data, used for printing, and for screen prettifying of
the bitmap.

>
>
> My understanding is that the first file contains the basic font information
> and preview information,

It contains the resources required to show certain specific sizes on screen.
For example, common font sizes are 9, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 point. Most
bitmap font suitcases when distributed from the vendor contain at least two
of those sizes. (Some fonts, especially display fonts like Wood Ornaments,
have larger font sizes, such as 36.) due to the way that fonts were developed
for the Mac starting with System 1.0, if the bit-mapped font suitcase isn't
there the system won't see the font, period. (Note that things don't work
that way with TrueType and/or Open Type fonts, but let's not go into that
right now.) It was formerly a good idea to have several bitmapped font sizes.
This has not been a requirement since Adobe Type Manager first was released;
all you really need is one, if ATM is running. (Or if you're running OS X.)
If you're _not_ running ATM on a system previous to OS X, proceed to Adobe's
site and get a copy.

> while the other contains the actual postscript code.

Correct.

> Placing the first file (either alone, or with the second file) in

>> /Library/Fonts allows it to be used in programs...

>
> Is it as simple as this?

yes.

> when do I need the second file?

If you want to print, and if you want to use a font size other than one of
the sizes in the bitmap and don't want to see jaggies. The PostScript info
allows the system to scale the fonts properly.

> (I've heard that a lot of people have problems with fonts, so trying to
> keep my eyes open for potential problems and then give them a wide birth)
>
> Thanks,
> Matt

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