A couple of problems PrintComm has encountered when client submit jobs are missing fonts and different versions of fonts that cause text to reflow. It is vital to the success of the project that all necessary fonts are included with your job submission.
TrueType fonts are commonly used on PC/IBM platforms. Macintosh computers also use TrueType fonts in their system folders. TrueType fonts have one file for each font, unlike PostScript which is broken up into two: screen font and printer font. PrintComm recommends PostScript over TrueType, because the results are not as predictable with TrueType fonts. PostScript fonts are designed and built for high-end print devices. If you do use TrueType, be sure to include the entire family of fonts with your job. Example: Helvetica, Helvetica Bold, Helvetica Italic. Also, like with PostScript font users, avoid using attributes or pseudo styles within layout applications.
Developed jointly by Adobe and Microsoft, OpenType® fonts technology is an extension of the TrueType font format but also can contain PostScript data. OpenType® fonts are cross-platform, the same font file works under both Macintosh and Windows Operating systems. This digital type format offers extended character sets and more advanced typographic controls. Like TrueType, a single file contains all the outline, metric, and bitmap data for an OpenType® font. Although any program that supports TrueType fonts can use OpenType® fonts, not all programs can access the full features of the OpenType® font format at this time.
By definition, these are made up of two parts. First is the Screen Font which allows us to accurately view your chosen typeface on our monitors, and the second is the Printer Font which enables us to print your job with the typefaces you have specified. Although PrintComm has an extensive font library, it is impossible to have every font that’s been created. Also, all fonts don’t possess the same attributes. For example your Helvetica probably is slightly different than our Helvetica. Be sure to send both your printer and screen fonts to us with your job. These fonts will only be used on your project and will not be maintained on PrintComm’s computers due to licensing agreements. Type 1 PostScript is the preferred format for all work. Apple system fonts, TrueType and Multiple Master formats are to be avoided. Avoid using “font attributes” of “Font Styles” such as bold and italic in your page layout style menu.
Often, when an EPS file is supplied as a supporting graphic file, fonts which are otherwise not used within a document may be present. If you have not supplied the fonts which are “embedded” in your graphic files, it will cause the type to reflow or cause your file to crash when printed. If you use Illustrator, CorelDRAW or Freehand, you need to either supply us with all fonts used in your EPS file or “create outlines” of your fonts, so that all fonts become the artwork. Note: If you create outlines of your fonts, type corrections will not be possible, since the program will no longer be able to edit the type. It is highly recommended that you save a copy for this reason before sending us a copy that is outlined.
When using software programs, you often have the option of “customizing” a typeface by using the bold, italic, bold italic, underline buttons or selections etc. from the style menu. These options are not actual fonts, just screen representations of them. They are called “pseudo fonts.” Stylized versions of fonts from application menus should never be used. If Helvetica Bold Italic is needed, use the actual font, not a style attribute. Styles like outline and shadows should be built as EPS graphics and never picked from a menu.
