CompuServe Messages

Jim: Traditionally, Mac PostScript fonts come in 3 parts: the printer (or downloadable) font, the AFM file (which contains all the spacing and kerning information) and the screen representation (a bitmap font in a set number of point sizes). MIfont will convert the screen font into a standard Amiga bitmap font/PPage .metric file and it will also convert the printer font into a downloadable ASCII PostScript font that PPage can download for you (really all it does with the printer fonts is convert any binary in the font file into ASCII hex, since PostScript interpreters can process ASCII ONLY). It doesn't convert anything BACK to Mac format (what's the point?). Essentially, the whole system was designed to allow people to use all of the parts that make up a Mac PostScript font, in PPage. And yes, we sell screen fonts. We've contacted Adobe and have obtained their permission (I'm not sure we needed to, but just in case) to put the screen bitmap versions of all their fonts, still in their Mac files, on Amiga disks. We're basically offering this as a service to people who are finding it impossible to get the Mac files on to their Amigas. The Library has 629 fonts in it so far, spread across 20 disks, and sells for $120 US (about $6 a disk). This does NOT include the printer fonts; you have to buy those (that's how font vendor's, like Adobe and Bitstream and Image Club, etc., make their money). You can still use the bitmap fonts by themselves, though. If you work with an output service, they'll no doubt have the printer fonts, so all you do is make up a PostScript file with the screen fonts and send it to them and have them print it out. It's a very cost-effective way of maintaining a potentially HUGE font library. Gary. – Mirror Image Prod. (416) 495-7469, via WHAP!