What Kind of Font Do I Need?

TrueType / OpenType.

If you are running Windows, you almost always need a TrueType/OpenType font. We use the TrueType variation of the OpenType font format to produce fonts work directly on Windows, Macs, and some other operating systems. Once installed in Windows (Windows 11 - 7/XP Server 2022/2019/2016) these fonts become a part of the operating system and are a system resource for any program running under Windows. Any Windows program can access these fonts from the font menu. TrueType fonts work on virtually any printer, and you don't need to perform any special actions to use these fonts, other than selecting the typeface from a Windows font box.

Note: our retail TrueType fonts will not embed in pdf documents. To get an embeddable version of these fonts you need to purchase a special license.

PostScript.

If you are running Windows, it is possible you might be able to use a PostScript font. Only programs that specifically require PostScript fonts will be able to use that font format. Our Windows PostScript fonts include the three standard files: .AFM, .PFM, and .PFB.

Note: our retail PostScript fonts will not embed in pdf documents. To get an embeddable version of these fonts you need to purchase a distribution license.

PCL Bitmapped Soft Fonts.

Unix / DOS / AS400 computer systems can typically not use TrueType fonts. We do make many of our bar code fonts in PCL bitmapped soft font format. Fonts in PCL format will work with any HP LaserJet or compatible printer. PCL fonts are binary files that are stored on your computer hard drive. You must send the font to the printer before you attempt to print anything using that font. The font will stay in the printer only until you turn the printer off. Your application must send PCL commands to the printer to select this type of font. All of our PCL fonts come with instructions that explain how to send the font to your printer and what command should be used to select the font.