Since Microsoft Windows 3.1 was introduced, Windows users have had the capability to display and print TrueType fonts. Because TrueType fonts are self-contained and portable, the only thing preventing the easy interchange of fonts between the Mac and Windows is how the fonts are stored.
The Mac stores its TrueType fonts as 'sfnt' resources, along with the 'FOND' resource that all Mac font families must have, and Windows stores its TrueType fonts in .TTF files (files with a .TTF extension). Except for the location, the actual font data is usually completely compatible. TTConverter is designed to move this font data between the 'sfnt' resources and .TTF files so it is possible to use TrueType fonts created in one operating system with the other.
CONVERTING FONTS
There are two ways you can convert fonts. The first is the ConvertÉ command in the File menu. It lets you select a single file to convert. The list of files shows all file types, because not all PC to Mac file transfer utilities (including communications software) use the same file type. TTConverter also supports drag and drop conversions under System 7. Drag any number of font files onto TTConverter and it will convert them and quit immediately. If you convert a font suitcase, all TrueType fonts contained in the suitcase will be converted.
When you begin the conversion process, a special Save dialog with the fontÕs full name at the bottom and Save All button if there is more than one file left to convert. The editable font name is used as both the name of the file the font will be stored in and the font name as it will appear in font menus (if you are converting from Mac to Windows).
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If you are converting from Windows to the Mac you might want to change the fontÕs name from the default before saving. For example, in the sample dialog shown above, the fontÕs actual name is Lucida Handwriting Italic, but I didnÕt want Italic in the name since there is only one font in the Lucida Handwriting family.
When converting from the Mac to Windows, the file name does not really matter, because Windows uses the fontÕs internal names for its font menus.
If you are satisfied with how TTConverter names your fonts and font files, click Save All. You will not be required to save each individual font. When converting a large batch of fonts, I suggest you select a destination folder (such as Converted Fonts) and click Save All. When the conversion is done, check the names of each of the fonts and reconvert any fonts which have names you donÕt like, this time naming each font by hand.
OPTIONS
The Options menu is divided into two sections. The top part contains options for converting from Windows to Mac and the bottom sectionÕs options are used when converting from Mac to Windows. If you are using drag and drop converting, you need to manually open the program and set the options before you convert.
Delete .TTF Files: After a .TTF file is successfully converted to Mac format it will be deleted.
Create Suitcases: TTConverter outputs newly converted Mac fonts in System 7Õs single font file format. For compatibility with the Font/DA Mover under System 6 and various other font utilities, you can also output in a font suitcase. The picture below shows what the icons for these formats look like.
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Compress Font Names: With this option turned on TTConverter will ÒcompressÓ the style information at the end of a font name. This means that all references to a plain style are removed and only the first letter of other style information is included. For example, ÒBook Antiqua RegularÓ is compressed to ÒBook AntiquaÓ and ÒArial Bold ItalicÓ is compressed to ÒArial BIÓ.
Delete Mac Files: After a Mac TrueType file has been successfully converted it will be deleted.
Convert .TTF Filenames: The option provides a way of automatically naming a new Windows font file within the MS-DOS filename limits (8 characters with a 3 character extension).
KNOWN PROBLEMS
Well, quite simply, not all fonts work on Òthe other side.Ó Sometimes Windows refuses to recognize a converted Mac font, so you canÕt install it. There are also problems with printing some converted Windows fonts on a PostScript printer from the Mac. They look and work fine on the screen and with QuickDraw printers, but they just wonÕt print on a PostScript printer. I have even had some fonts cause crashes when trying to print (on a PostScript printer)!
TTConverter itself has been tested on a Macintosh IIcx and LC II under System 7 and a IIsi under System 6. Printing has been tested on a LaserWriter IINT and an ImageWriter II under System 7, and a Personal LaserWriter NT under System 6.
PIRATING FONTS
Please donÕt use TTConverter to convert copyrighted fonts for illegal purposes (like reselling). I wrote TTConverter to allow users to work with the same set of fonts on two machines, not to let someone make money of anotherÕs work. If youÕre really concerned about copyright infringement, review your fontÕs licsensing agreementÑIÕll leave the interpretation up to you.
REGISTRATION
If you use any fonts you convert with TTConverter, you are required pay the shareware fee of $10. TTConverter is a copyrighted program, but you can distribute it to your friends and over BBSs or online services that do not specifically charge for downloadsÑan hourly rate does not countÑas long as you include all files in this archive. You may not distribute TTConverter via physical media (disks, etc.) for commericial purposes without my permission (I like to keep track of where has been).
Please use the included form form you register. Of course, registered users don't have to register new versions again. By the way, when you fill out the form, donÕt forget about the Email Address(es) field! I like to use email when I can.
I would like to hear from anyone who has questions, comments, complaints, bug reports, suggestions, etc. You can reach me in any of the following ways:
Chris Reed
3409 Clearview Drive
San Angelo TX 76904-8108
Voice: (915) 949-9486
America Online: Chrisreed
Internet: chrisreed@aol.com
DISCLAIMER
I am not responsible for anything TTConverter, or any converted font, does or does not do to your system. In fact, the only thing TTConverter is guaranteed to do is take up disk space. I am also not responsible for illegal use of TTConverter. There is no warranty.
