I happened across a reference to Linotype’s FontExplorer X in a forum today so I decided to check it out. The initial draw was that it is free. A free font management tool? Can it really compete with the likes of Extensis Suitcase? Well my short answer is yes.
The user interface is very much like iTunes; a library panel on the left where your font groupings are listed, an area on the right for the fonts contained in a group, and also a panel below for previewing the fonts. If you have used iTunes you will see the similarities immediately.
When importing files FontExplorer will copy them to your specified library folder in addition to organizing them into alphabetically. You also have the option of moving them straight there or leaving the fonts where they are. One helpful tip in this process is to enable the prevent duplicates option found under FontExplorerX>Preferences>Import. Additionally, FontExplorer X can auto-activate fonts on demand. Adobe CS2 Suite and Quark Express are supported. Also, a great usability feature allows you drag a selection of the preview pane to your desktop. It will create an image in your choice of tiff, gif, pdf, jpg or png. This makes quick work of emailing samples to clients.
In following the iTune model closely, FontExplorer X has a built in store that showcases a wide variety of Linotype’s fonts. I have to say, it is a brilliant solution to making their software available for free. The integration between the software and the store ensures that Linotype will have an increase in their sales.
Having used Suitcase for a few years now, I have decided to toss it in favor of FontExplorer X.
FontExplorer X
iTunes
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