node 8041

unknown

I recently posted a request for a font to be identified on the Type Identification Board and received a rapid reply. I was reviewing a document and saw a font used that I liked. While trying to track down that font (Bank Gothic), I realized that in order for a sheet to print with that font used, it would have to have been installed on that machine (at least I think so). How does one know if the font they are using is being done so legally?

All Microsoft Windows machines are provided with a certain preloaded package of fonts which I would assume implies that they (the fonts) can be used for any purpose. Is there a standard set of fonts that is "free" or available for unlimited public use? For instance, Arial and Times New Roman would appear to be universally approved for unlimited use. Is there, for lack of a better description, a regulatory body that controls this?

I searched through the directory structure of several computers at work and compared the font lists in each and they are all different. The majority of fonts were common, but each had files available exclusive to that particular machine. How does Microsoft or Apple/Macintosh decide which fonts are loaded when a machine is built? Do they pay royalties to someone? Does someone own the rights to fonts as common as Times New Roman or Arial?

I appreciate any time anyone could give me in answering these questions. Typography was something I took for granted until recently but it is fascinating. I have found several font sites and will sit and surf and critique (to myself) fonts now. It really is amazing the diversity that exists.

Thanks again!

PS Does anyone (or everyone) know who is credited (if there is someone) with creating the "Jackdaws loves my big sphinx of quartz" tagline for display of all letters of the alphabet?

unknown

A quick answer. Fonts are installed with both OS�s and apps, and the exact fonts installed depend on the version of the OS or app you have installed and the install options selected. For example newer versions of Mac OS contain more fonts than earlier versions, and some fonts are not installed by Windows unless you select �East Asian� or �Complex Script� support.

As most PC�s come with a bunch of software pre-installed it�s difficult to tell where fonts came from. If the fonts came with Microsoft apps this information may help you work out which app or OS installed them - http://www.microsoft.com/typography/fonts/default.aspx

With respect to licensing, fonts are generally covered by the license of the app or OS that installed them. With respect to TNR and Arial, packaged installers containing these fonts were posted online with a license that allows redistribution (of the package not the loose fonts).

Cheers, Si

unknown

Most of the fonts bundled with MacOS, and many older versions of Adobe applications were licensed from other foundries. (Helevtica, for instance, which ships with MacOS, is licensed from Linotype; it is not owned by Apple).

Adobe has its own type library, which has grown over the years. I believe that Thomas posted here some time ago that Adobe was no longer bundling non-Adobe fonts with their software. Was that for all applications, or just some? In any event, even Adobe fonts that come "free" with Adobe products are covered by the software's license. So, one cannot do whatever one wants with them (like freely distribute copies, etc). In this regard, bundled fonts are no different from fonts that you would license from a foundry on your own, except that some foundries have more restrictive EULAs, and some have less restrictive ones.

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