[X Newbies] FontBook in OS X

[Alex]

On Monday, Apr 12, 2004, at 09:45 Canada/Eastern, Bruce Klutchko wrote:

> [...] When Fontbook
> resolves the duplicate font problem, it seems to opt in favor of the 
> OS9
> font. Is this the best solution?

While native apps have access to fonts in all OS X fonts folders, 
Classic apps can use only fonts in the selected System Folder. Knowing 
this, what do you think -- is it the best solution?

> Also, if I deactivate certain fonts, when I reactivate them, the font
> conflicts reappear.

Say you have two fonts called "Helvetica Regular". The OS is in a 
quandary: how can it tell which one you actually want to use? Solution: 
Disable or remove one of them. Now, the OS has no more doubts and it's 
happy. Enable one of them again. The OS is back on the horns of the 
dilemma.

> Should some of the duplicate fonts be deleted [...]

Why, when you can manage them satisfactorily with Font Book?

> [...] we have multiple users, so I¹m reluctant to remove fonts from 
> the general /System
> folder and leave them only in my user folder.

As a rule-of-thumb, leave /System strictly alone. If you want to 
add/remove fonts for all users, do so in the /Library/Fonts/ folder, or 
in the Classic fonts folder, if you still use Classic; for yourself, 
use ~/Library/Fonts/. (See "Using and Managing Fonts in Mac OS X" for 
an overview of font locations in OS X.) But, unless you're into 
professional DTP, Font Book should take care of your needs. Another 
rule-of-thumb. If your font collection is roughly below 200 fonts, Font 
Book should do. If it's larger, your probably should starting thinking 
about investing in a professional font manager, e.g. FontAgent Pro.


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