With InDesign 2023 (18.2), Adobe has ended support for PostScript Type 1 fonts. And while I think we can all admit that the Type 1 format is antiquated, those fonts are still in use by some folks and in some cases, OpenType versions simply do not exist. If you find yourself in that situation with some of your mission-critical fonts, there are a few different programs you can use to convert old Type 1 fonts to OpenType. My favorite option is TransType by FontLab Ltd, Inc., the purveyors of, FontLab, Fontographer, and other high-quality font-related software.
TransType 4 is available for both Mac and Windows for $97.
The process of converting a Type 1 font with TransType could hardly be simpler. In fact, the main hurdle to updating your font library isn’t technological, it’s legal. Many commercial font licenses explicitly prohibit modifying the font files. TransType will remind you to check your license before making any conversions, and display any license info embedded in the font files in the main window.
To begin the conversion process, drag and drop your old font(s) into the window.
If there are any problems with your old font files, the program will alert you.
You can map styles like bold and italic as needed by dragging them to the desired positions in the window.
You can also rename fonts and organize them by merging or separating families, and tweak the appearance of the font with effects such as tracking, smoothing, width, slant, and so on.
TransType will show you a map of all the glyphs in the font, which you can export as a PDF for reference.
To make the conversion, simply select a Profile and a Destination and click the button.
Voila, future-proof fonts!
Well, at least until something comes along to replace OpenType. But since PostScript fonts lasted this long, you probably won’t have anything to worry about for another quarter century or so.
The folks at FontLab have also produced a video on the process of converting Type 1 fonts to OpenType.
This article was last modified on April 9, 2023
This article was first published on February 12, 2021
Commenting is easier and faster when you're logged in!
