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August 20, 2008
 
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Text & Type
Should
I Use PostScript® or TrueType Fonts?
by
Sandy Cusak, staff writer —
M
 ost
people aren't even aware that there are different kinds of font files
so, does it really matter which kind you use? Isn't a font just a font?
It depends and here's why.
TrueType fonts
Historically, TrueType
fonts have been created to varying degrees of standards. Quite often,
many TrueType fonts display differently on different systems. The spacing
is inconsistent between letters, words and paragraphs and, as a result,
columns of text can reflow. This can mess up your layout.
PostScript fonts
Conversely, PostScript
fonts give you consistent control over text and layouts every time. What
you see on-screen is what will appear on the page. What prints on my PostScript-enabled
laser printer will print on yours. Every time. For this reason, PostScript
fonts have been less of a hassle than TrueType fonts.
 New
developments
In recent times, several reputable type houses, such as AGFA, have
begun producing high-quality TrueType fonts. They use something called "hinting"
which allows better control of the font. In many cases, the quality is as high
as a PostScript font's. Unfortunately, it's difficult to tell a high-quality TrueType
font froma low-quality one until you use it.
Which is best
for you?
By default, I recommend using PostScript fonts. If that isn't
possible, be sure to use high-quality TrueType fonts. When using TrueType
fonts, I suggest printing tests of your document to ensure that the font
is printing as expected. Once you do that, you can move onto printing
it in color or on expensive paper with confidence. 
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