See:
OpenType
TrueType
PostScript

i ran across those a few minutes ago. I read them, but still, I’m just curious to see what most people purchase and use.

> I am getting to the stage where i will soon be investing in typefaces to use as a designer

Try to stay away from Type 1 as much as possible. This is an old-old format (20+ years) that nowadays can’t deliver what is needed. OpenType (TT or CFF) — and TrueType to some extent —, is where you should put your money.

I get OpenType because it is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Postscript for Windows is different than Postscript for Mac and can’t be converted. TrueType is native to Windows, and can also work on Mac, but not as good as OpenType.

OpenType isn’t quite as bad as Stephen Cole’s pictures indicate. Unlike the Swiss Army knife, you can do real work with it, though like the Swiss Army knife, you do encounter situations where it’s limitations really get in the way.

I assume you aren’t asking the question “what’s the difference” from a technical point of view. From the practical point of view, you would have to make the decision based on what you actually do with type — what is now called the “workflow.”

At a deeper level, at some point you will likely have to change to the OpenType format. Type is software now, and what works depends on other software.

Nice point, Charles. The Army Knife metaphor was meant to show that OpenType is inherently more convenient be