vLetter Support - Using SmartFonts in Mac OS X

This page addresses issues when using SmartFonts
(OpenType® format) in different programs.

What are OpenType fonts?

OpenType is a newer font format co-developed by Microsoft and Adobe. This format allows for scripting in the font to automatically substitute special character variations as you type in programs that support this scripting. This support is mainly limited to higher-end desktop publishing programs such as InDesign and Publisher, as well as graphic design programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. Mac OS 10.5 (and later) also supports this scripting in applications such as TextEdit and Pages.

OpenType fonts can have PostScript outlines (.otf extension), or TrueType outlines (.ttf extension). For this reason, they supercede both older Type 1 PostScript fonts and TrueType fonts. Older printers and PostScript printers may have difficulty printing these fonts, but new printers should have drivers that support these fonts.

What are vLetter SmartFonts?

vLetter SmartFonts utilize OpenType technology and vLetter's patented handwriting technology to create the real connected cursive and contextual variety of natural handwriting.

What features do vLetter SmartFonts have?

- The cursive-style fonts automatically connect like real handwriting as you type.
- The cursive-style fonts also have end-of-word tails for a more finished look.
- The printed-style fonts automatically use contextual alternates as you type.
- Some fonts have additional variations when typing all caps or a series of numbers.

Using Signatures

The full signature in a handwriting font can be inserted by typing fullsign; the nickname in a font can be inserted by typing nicksign.
Note: Schoolhouse SmartFonts do not contain signatures.

Microsoft Word 2008 or 2011 for Mac

Advanced OpenType features need to be enabled in each document within Microsoft Word to make the letters connect or vary as you type.

Older files opened in “Compatibility Mode” may not support OpenType features. Convert the files to the new Word format, then enable OpenType features.

TextEdit and Pages

The cursive fonts automatically connect as you type, when you select any one of these fonts from the Fonts palette. Printed-style fonts will also automatically insert contextual variations as you type.

Note: End-of-word tails may not appear before line returns. If this occurs, you can insert the Dagger character at the end of words by typing Option-T, or type a space.

Adobe CS4 and above:
InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator

These Adobe programs should automatically use contextual alternates as you type. If you do not see alternates, check the Character Palette options for OpenType to be sure "Contextual Alternates" is selected.

Note: Adobe programs do not currently support the end-of-word tails on letters. You can manually insert the Dagger character (Option-T) at the end of each word if needed.