TrueType Font Converters and Editors

 Last reviewed: November 2, 1995
Article ID: Q87817
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows version 3.1
  • Microsoft Win32 Application Programming Interface (API) included with: 

        - Microsoft Windows NT versions 3.5 and 3.51
    - Microsoft Windows 95 version 4.0

SUMMARY

The text below lists a number of commercial software tools that convert existing fonts to TrueType fonts or help build new fonts. The tools are listed in alphabetical order by name. None of these tools is recommended over any other, nor over any that are absent from the list. Each of the tools has its own strengths and weaknesses. Before making any purchase, examine the tool and its documentation to see if it meets your needs. This list will be updated as more tools become available.

Some of the following tools run on an Apple Macintosh while others run on an IBM PC/AT or compatible computer. The same TrueType font can run on a Macintosh or with Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1.

To convert a font from the Macintosh to Windows 3.1, save the data fork from a Macintosh font to a file, copy the file to an MS-DOS-formatted disk, give the file a .TTF file extension, and use the Windows 3.1 Control Panel to install the font.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

MORE INFORMATION

Last Update: 24 July 1992 

                      FONT CONVERSION UTILITIES
                      =========================

AllType for MS-DOS

Author:       Atech Software
              5964 La Place Court, Suite 125
              Carlsbad, CA 92008
              (619) 438-6883
Description: Character-based application running under MS-DOS. 
              Converts almost any font format to any other. Supported
              formats include TrueType, Type-1, Type-3, Nimbus-Q, and
              Intellifont.

Evolution 2.0 for Macintosh

Author:       Image Club Graphics, Inc.
              1902 11th St. SE, Suite 5
              Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 3G2
              (403) 262-8008
Description: Converts almost any font format to any other. Supported 
              formats include TrueType, Type-1, and Type-3.
FontMonger for Windows

FontMonger for Macintosh

Author:       Ares Software
              561 Pilgrim Drive, Suite D
              Foster City, CA 94404
              (415) 578-9090
Description: Converts almost any font format to any other. Supported 
              formats include TrueType, Type-1, Type-3, and
              Intellifont. Also provides minor font editing by
              creating composite characters or rearranging the
              characters in a font.

Incubator for Windows

Author:       Type Solutions, Inc.
              91 Plaistow Rd
              Plaistow, NH 03865
              (603) 382-6400
Description: Supports adding effects to TrueType fonts. Contact Type 
              Solutions for more information.

Metamorphosis Professional for Macintosh

Author:       Altsys Corp.
              269 W. Renner Rd
              Richardson, TX 75080
              (214) 680-2060
Description: Converts almost any font format to any other. Supported 
              formats include TrueType, Type-1, Type-3, and PICT
              format. One interesting feature allows the user to read
              a Type-1 font from the ROM of an Apple LaserWriter
              printer and convert the font to another format.


                             FONT EDITORS
                             ============
Fontographer 3.5 for Windows

Fontographer 4.1 for Macintosh

Author:       Altsys Corp.
              269 W. Renner Rd
              Richardson, TX 75080
              (214) 680-2060
Description: A complete font editing tool. Supports creating a font 
              from scratch and modifying existing fonts. Supports a
              variety of formats including TrueType and Type-1.
              Includes an autohinter.

FontStudio 2.0 for Macintosh

Author:       Letraset Graphic Design Software
              40 Eisenhower Dr
              Paramus, NJ 07653
              (800) 343-TYPE  or (201) 845-6100
Description: A complete font editing tool. Supports creating fonts 
              from scratch and modifying existing fonts. Supports a
              variety of formats including TrueType and Type-1.
              Includes an autohinter.

TypeMan 1.0 for Macintosh

Author:       Type Solutions, Inc.
              91 Plaistow Rd
              Plaistow, NH 03865
              (603) 382-6400
Description: Designed for font foundries, this tool provides precise 
              control over the hints in a font and includes an
              autohinter. Supports specifying a font in a high-level
              programming language, which the tool compiles to the
              binary TrueType format.

Additional reference words: 3.10 3.50 4.00 95 true type
KBCategory: kbgraphic
KBSubcategory: GdiTt

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Last reviewed: November 2, 1995
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