advertisement
October 12, 2009 11:52 AM PDT

Mac Tip: Using the Fonts window

by Joe Aimonetti
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 6 comments
Share
A great resource in many Mac OS X applications, the Font window provides an excellent way to up the quality and efficiency of your projects. The Fonts window provides a lot of useful information about your text as well as some great (and powerful) tools.

The Fonts window can be easily accessed in most Mac OS X programs by pressing (Command + T) or by navigating the menu bar of your current application, generally in the "Format" sub-menu under "Show Fonts".

The Fonts window allows users to easily sort and categorize their Fonts. You are also able to change the font size in your document, add drop shadows (and adjust the settings), change the document page color, change the font color, and apply styles such as strike-through and underlining.

By dragging the tiny dot at the center of the top of the styles toolbar, you can reveal an information that tells you the font style and size of the currently selected text. This is a great way to be sure the fonts in your project match size and styles.

The Fonts window also allows you to search for a particular font which is especially helpful for someone like me that has over 400 fonts to sift through. By clicking the gear wheel icon at the bottom of the window, users can manage their fonts, look through typography options that may be available for some fonts, or search the special characters menu (also available in many Mac OS X applications by pressing Command + Option + T).

Experiencing issues, have questions, want to let us know about an issue we should report on? Email Us!

Joe is a seasoned Mac veteran with years of experience on the platform. He reports on Macs, iPods, iPhones and anything else Apple sells. Before joining CNET, he even worked in Apple's retail stores. He's also a creative professional who knows how to use a Mac to get the job done.
Recent posts from MacFixIt
Apple updates Epson and Lexmark printer drivers
OS X system menu extras stop responding
iTunes: Songs skip before they complete
Sound Issues: "No output devices found"
How-To: Installing and using open-source Unix software in OS X with Fink
UPDATE: Continued problems for new iMacs
CNET TV Apple Byte: Apple to stream music?
Weekly Utilities Updates and Review: NTFS-3G
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (6 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by Neesley October 12, 2009 1:12 PM PDT
I think the font box is an inefficient abomination!

I want to change only a font size and I need to open yet another window?

And this progress?
Reply to this comment
by macdad614 October 13, 2009 5:53 AM PDT
WORD up!

"this progress"?

My apps which I use to type text do not require me to use the Fonts dialogue, but in the ones that I have used that require this, it is not a problem. After all, there is a limit to the key combinations that can be used to modify text.
by baldyauldeejit October 13, 2009 12:45 AM PDT
It's ironic that you chose Helvetica to demonstrate font functionality, considering the crippling effect Apple's policy of hogging this extremely popular font for themselves has had on the graphic design and print industry.
Reply to this comment
by macdad614 October 13, 2009 7:18 AM PDT
My preferred font is / was New York. It was LOST along the way, and I am unable to find it now.
by MacFixIt Joe October 13, 2009 8:58 AM PDT
Apple is hogging Helvetica?

I am assuming you've seen Gary Hustwit's documentary, Helvetica? I would say Helvetica is one of the most ubiquitous fonts in the world, to which no one can be accused of hogging it. In fact, Apple's font of choice is Myriad Set these days.
by baldyauldeejit October 13, 2009 10:09 AM PDT
Helvetica Neue is very much a font of choice for Apple. Indeed, it is now a protected font and cannot be deleted. Apple's decision to use Helvetica Neue in this way has resulted in all but one (very expensive) versions of Helvetica Neue being rendered unusable. Perhaps, MacFixIt Joe, you don't fully comprehend the problems this has caused the graphic design and print industries. Take a look at Apple's forums or Google Snow Leopard and Helvetica Neue and you will soon see the problems Apple has caused.

I fully understand why Apple would want to use such a classic font - it is beautiful and immensely readable. However, Apple should have had the foresight to rename their version as, say, Apple Helvetica Neue. Then we could all have enjoyed working with this beautiful, film star font.
(6 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next

Navigate MacFixIt

  • Help
  • Archives
  • Utilities
  • Forums
advertisement
Click Here

About MacFixIt

MacFixIt is CNET's troubleshooting resource for all things Mac. The information here helps you navigate the ins-and-outs of Mac ownership with how-tos, troubleshooting information, news, reviews, and more.

Add this feed to your online news reader

MacFixIt topics