Understanding Fonts.

Windows allows you to install many different types and styles of fonts on your computer. The kind of font you use can have different consequences when used with the different printers, plotters and video cards.

Font Types. Windows supports three different types of fonts. Here is a detailed description of how they are used and the effects on survey plots:

Vector Fonts. Vector fonts create characters by drawing small line segments. They are the only font that can be used by plotters. Windows normally has three vector fonts installed: "Modern," "Roman," and "Script." Vector fonts can also be displayed on any video devise or printed on almost every printer. They can be scaled and rotated, however, Vector fonts tend to be thin and not as decorative as other fonts, so you probably should use them only for plotters.

Important. In order for "vector" fonts to be available, you must turn OFF the "Show Only TrueType Fonts in Applications" option in the Fonts section of the Windows Control Panel. Also, you can determine which fonts will work with a plotter by previewing them in the Fonts section of Control Panel. Most Windows installations have three vector fonts installed: "Modern," "Roman" and "Script."

Raster Fonts. Raster fonts create characters from grid-patterns of dots. They tend to be “fuller” and more attractive than vector fonts. However, they cannot be displayed on plotters and, more importantly, they cannot be scaled or rotated. Non-scalable, non-rotatable fonts have a limited number of fixed-sized character sets and can only be printed horizontally. Non-scalable, non-rotatable fonts cause problems for the Viewer because they cannot be scaled or rotated to work with its features. For example, Raster Fonts don’t work well with the Print Preview window or the Quad Map feature.

True Type Fonts. TrueType fonts have the same full, attractive style as Raster Fonts except they can be infinitely scaled and rotated. They cannot be displayed on plotters, but in general, they are the preferred font for the Viewer because they plot quickly and are scalable.

Default Fonts. When the Viewer first runs, it selects a default font. If True Type fonts are enabled and installed, the program will select "Arial" as the default font. If True Type fonts are not available, the program will select "Modern" as the default font. Once you have configured the fonts to your liking, you can set them as the default so they will always be set when the Viewer starts.