Using theTypeBook

The Main Window

Below is a sample of theTypeBook’s main window. The main feature is the list of available typeface sorted by family name and weight. Below are two indicators: "Selected" indicates the current number of typefaces currently selected for printing, "Total faces" is the total number of typefaces currently available to the system. Note that this may or may not correspond to the number of "FONDs" that have been installed. Each FOND is capable of supporting numerous typefaces.

At the bottom of the window are two buttons which represent the basic functionality of theTypeBook utility. It is simply a mechanism for printing a typeface reference. The bulk of the printing is accomplished through the File menu (where the various layout selections are) and is described later in this document.

theTypeBook eliminates duplicated names resulting from non-merged or partially merged font families and then sorts the list according to the weight name of the typefaces. The available typefaces are listed in order of weight (lightest to heaviest) the typeface specimens  will appear in this order on each page or pages. The sorting order of theTypeBook is:

1.    Regular width face sorted lightest to heaviest.
2.    Titling faces, lightest to heaviest.
3.    Condensed style typefaces sorted beginning with the thinnest to the widest, sub-sorted to lightest to heaviest.
4.    Extended style typefaces sorted beginning with the thinnest to the widest, sub-sorted to lightest to heaviest.
5.    Expert style typefaces. These are sub-sorted by the first 4 categories.

Making Typeface Selections

Typeface selection is simplified by presenting the menu of installed fonts in their “True” outline names. In this way, each face is selected individually and the standard Style Menu is no longer required. 

Selections may be made by typing the name, continuing until the appropriate name is selected. Typeface selection continues while you type unless you pause for two seconds or more. You may also use the up and down arrows in conjunction with the shift key. Of course you can also use the mouse in the typical fashion. If no other windows are open, the “Select All” command in the edit menu is also available.

Working with Suitcase II or MasterJuggler

When you access the “Suitcase” or “MasterJuggler” desk accessory the font list will be rebuilt when you return to theTypeBook. This is necessary to keep pace with any changes that might affect the available fonts. 

This feature may be overridden by holding down the Shift-key as you grab the Apple menu. Use this feature to save time when working with DA files, otherwise you ALWAYS want to rebuild when changing font files.

After you have selected the DA, you will be prompted to save any currently loaded "AKA Name" and/or "Face Comments" currently active. If none are active, or after saving has completed, the DA will open for use.

theTypeBook is currently capable of supporting up to 4,000 typefaces online simultaneously. It is also fully compatible with the Suitcase utility from Fifth Generation. In fact, there is no need to exit the program to change font suitcase files. theTypeBook automatically detects selection of the Suitcase DA and updates the list of available fonts as soon as you close the Suitcase window.

Rudementary checking for “resource problems” is always performed  when the list of available typefaces is built. When completed, if any errors were detected a dialog will be displayed showing the FOND name <if possible> and the kind of error encountered.