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I will now
explain (hopefully in the very briefest of terms) the differences between
True Type and Post Script Fonts.
History:
True Type was invented by Apple Computer
(yes it was for Macs first, then it was ported to Windows by Apple and
Microsoft) as a means of displaying type on screen as well as print
nicely at any size to a laser printer. Post Script was invented by Adobe
as a means of doing the same thing. The difference between the two is
that Post Script is more accurate and more powerful, while True Type
is simpler. Post Script requires multiple files be loaded (one for screen
display and one for the printers use) whereas True Type only requires
one file for both.
So how
is TT less powerful/accurate?
It has limitations on how may Points each character can have, and
on occasion it also can screw things up, causing misprints. (see graphic
below)
So why
does anyone use TT, why don't we all use Post Script?
Well, for starters, the whole TT one file, vs. PS multiple files thing
makes TT more convenient. Also because in order to make PS work (not
be all jaggedy) you must install Adobe Type Manager (ATM) which costs
like $70 or something. And everybody's always like "I'm
not spending 70 bucks on crap, this computer cost me $2,500 and I'm
not spending another cent..."
blah blah blah. Anyway, the point is, you SHOULD go out and buy ATM
and use PS instead of TT from now on, but since I know you're not going
to, I'll show you what some of the Dingbats are going to look like.
UPDATE: adobe now offers a FREE DOWNLOADABLE version of ATM called ATM
LITE, GET
IT HERE!
The
Effects:
Above
is how the font really looks. Look close, see how the characters are
pretty and smooth and don't have ugly weird line deals sticking off
for no reason? Well that's about to be shot to hell by True Type!
This
is what True Type does to what were fine font characters. See the anomalies.
Those aren't really there. They only show up in some programs when you
are using the True Type version.
So
what should you do?
You should rush right out and buy ATM and install it and then download
the Post Script version of the TMBFont. If you're one of those "I'm
not buying crap!" kinda people (And aren't we all?) then
[update:
go download the lite version for FREE!] just settle for the
TT version, and hope the problems never effect you. The fact of the
matter is that if you are an average consumer, you'll never notice the
difference between TT and PS on any other fonts than mine. So unless
you're to be using my fonts (and really only the Dingbats one) extensively,
there's probably not too much need for you to buy ATM. True Type should
work fine.
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