How to Install Fonts on a Macintosh

Fonts add creative zing to your documents and can help you express your flair. Installing fonts on a Macintosh is simple - the Macintosh OS doesn't care whether you use PostScript or TrueType fonts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Type Manager
• Computer Fonts Software

1. Locate the fonts you want to install. If you are installing a TrueType font, you need only one file. If you are installing a PostScript font, you will need the printer font and the font suitcase containing the screen font.

2. Drag the fonts to the System Folder. You will be prompted to allow the fonts to be moved to the Fonts folder. Click OK.

3. You may need to quit out of certain programs for the new fonts to be available in those programs.

Tips & Warnings

• To view PostScript fonts on your Macintosh, you need Adobe Type Manager (ATM). ATM is included in Mac OS 7.5 and later.
• If you install only the screen font for a PostScript font, you will get a representation on screen. However, ATM requires the printer font to render correctly. In addition, you may have some display problems using the font on screen. And, of course, you can't print the PostScript font without the printer font.

[flipsmithers]

on 8/28/2007 In OS X, fonts can reside in a number of places: System/Library/Fonts; Library/Fonts; User/Library/Fonts; etc. If you use a lot of fonts (I have over 600 on my Mac), you are better off getting a Font Management application like Extensis Suitcase, or Font Agent. Personally, I like Suitcase 'cause it lets me control where and how fonts are stored on my drive, but its up to you. Linotype now has a good font manager, Font Explorer, that is similar to Suitcase and its free at their web site.