The latest entry in to OS X font management has been the release of Linotype’s FontExplorerX. The most interesting aspect of this software is that it is iTunes for fonts, but more on that in a bit.
The latest entry in to OS X font management has been the release of Linotype’s FontExplorerX. The most interesting aspect of this software is that it is iTunes for fonts, but more on that in a bit.
A major complaint I have with utilities like FontAgent Pro or Suitcase is their desire to replace/turn on fonts for apps like Safari (often leaving the page filled with gibberish). One feature I think helps place FontExplorer above the others is the ability to toggle which apps have auto activation (go to Preferences then Font Requests). Truth be told I am not a big fan of auto activation and prefer having to turn some things on and off if needed.
There are some complaints about how FontExplorer works with the Adobe Suite. I have no major complaints except that when a request is made the window with the request usually pops up behind FontExplorer’s main window, not very helpful if I can’t see it.
I have been testing FontExplorer on my Powerbook which has a limited supply of fonts on board. So, once or twice a day I am being prompted for fonts not present. Here is where Linotype shows their genius. Whenever a font is not present and linotype sells it, yup you guessed it, a link and a price right there for you. Along with this is the ability to browse for fonts in FontExplorerX Like you do in iTunes. Slick, very slick. Now if the prices of fonts could just be on par with iTunes.