TrueType for Printing

[LaurenMarie]

I am doing research on different font file formats and I'm mainly looking at TrueType and PostScript. One thing I can't seem to quite nail down is if printers still have problems with TrueType fonts. I've been told that some TrueType fonts will "fall out" when printed. I think this means some of the details on complicated fonts is messed up or missing. Anyone have more experience with this than I do?

I know ideally we should use OpenType because these fonts contain both a PostScript and TrueType file, but I'd like to know specifically about the issue with TrueType and printing.

Any help is greatly appreciated! And I don't mind if you get into the technical details.

Thanks in advance!!!

[blueocto]

We use several types of printers at the Sign Makers Im at currently, and I havent see any problems...

[LaurenMarie]

So TrueType fonts work as well as the PostScript ones? (thanks for such a quick reply, btw!)

[ianm]

are you focusing on the printed page? the likes of a high volume digital printer or lithographic printer?

[LaurenMarie]

Yes, printed page. High-end printing. I've read that most of these problems occured with imagesetters, but most of that information is about 10 years old.

[ianm]

The main thing high end (as far as i know the likes of Printing.com?) we convert everything to paths and create a pdf of the artwork - sometimes true type fonts don't turn to paths right, it is beneficial to have postscript for the conversion of both text to path and creation of a pdf.

i always create a paths version of the artwork when sending to plate for litho also, so same applies - although mostly you can get away with true type (of course my own experience is with macs and it's font formats pre osx) windows formats could be different and as long as it is a pretty decent typeface, at the least, then it will be fine.

True Type seems to rip fine, in terms of printing from windows and a mac, in proofing/printing a job like flyers, booklets, menu or a report as far as I know

[LaurenMarie]

So you do most of your work in Illustrator and convert the text to paths? Is that what you mean "convert to paths"? Is there an option to do that in InDesign? You say "it is beneficial to have postscript." Does that mean a PostScript version of the font? When the TTF doesn't turn to paths right, is it because it is a font with a lot of detail? If you did the same with a simpler font like Century Gothic, would it be ok? Try to dumb it down for me... talk to me like I know nothing of what you're talking about. I'm wanting to learn "best practices" for sending files to printers.

Thanks for answering all these questions! This is REALLY helpful!

[ianm]

sorry :D i use/used freehand mostly yes (similar to illustrator), the postscripts format is simply created to work better with printers when ripping yet you can use true type fonts and get by with no bother. working in indesign should (i think) be much like quark, which i have to say i am not that savvy on except knowing that simply export for print and provide everything to your printer (fonts and image files along with id file) and if there are any problems they'll let you know.

[LaurenMarie]

Thanks again, Ian. Sorry for being difficult. I'm just digging deep for answers to WHY there seems to be problems with some TTF. I know the conclusion is to use Open Type because they are cross platform compatible and they are a TTF and PS file in one font. Best of both worlds and no worries about printing.

I'm writing a blog post on this topic and it'll be up tomorrow. I'll come back to post the link if anyone is interested.

[Toon]

Be careful as the new Mac Leopard is very strict on using corupt fonts, because of the clash between badly made fonts and the new CS3 products Leopard does what all good OS's should do and doesn't want you to install badly made or corupt fonts.