? about saving fonts to CD - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

SusanMcG · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005

Since I have started aquiring way too many fonts, I would like to save them to CD and use them that way. Problem: I don't know how to use them from the CD. Also, should I use CD-R or CD-RW? Anyone suggestions would be appreciated!

soniecat · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005

Fonts are actually pretty small files. I have a kajillion of them and it only totals a GB or so...and I mean I have a LOT. You're better off just weeding through and throwing out anything you don't think you'll use and backing up other things that take up more room on your computer. Back up the fonts so that you have a copy unless something happens, but actually using them off a CD will be more hassle than it's worth.

Pesto126 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005

Well.. it all depends on how you have them on your system.

If you have them all installed in your Windows/Fonts folder.. that is not a good idea. These fonts must be loaded and searched through everytime you load up a program like Word, photoshop, etc.. this will significantly slow down your program access.

It is a much better idea to use a program like Font Expert (my current favorite) to review all your fonts and only install those that you need when you need them. Once you are done, you simply uninstall that font until you need it again. Of course, fonts you do seem to use all the time can be left installed... but if you have 5000 extra fonts installed... bad idea!

As for backing them up to CD.. good idea. But - like Sonie said, they really don't take up much room on your HD in the scheme of things.. so I would just use them from there. However, if you did just want to use them from the CD, then a program like Font Explorer is prefect.. you just insert the CD with the fonts, browse to the CD in the software, pick the font to install, install it and then use it. The CD can be removed once the font is installed.

Good Luck!

SusanMcG · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005

Thank you ladies! I wasn't sure if this was a space saving idea or not. I guess I'll leave my fonts where they are for now and look for another space saving idea - like getting my ton of kits onto CD's! LOL

Pesto126 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005

good idea.. but please do not dismiss the notion of not loading all your fonts until you need them. Most people do not realize how bad this is and for ease of use.. just load/install them all.

kimlizzy · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005

You don't have to install/uninstall fonts just to use them once. Unless a font is in the Windows/Fonts folder then it isn't actually "installed" even though it is elsewhere on your computer
In My Documents, I have a folder called Uninstalled Fonts. Each font in this folder is unzipped. To use:

**IMPORTANT>> DO NOT have your graphics/Word program open yet or it won't work.

Go to the Uninstalled Fonts folder and double click on the font/fonts you want to use.
The preview window opens up. MINIMISE the window/windows.
NOW open your graphics program/Word and the font will be usable whilever you have the preview window minimised.
Once you close off the window you won't be able to use it again until you close off your program and start the process over.

Pesto126 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005

Good tip - but this process works fine for a single font.. but if you want to use multiple fonts it will not work. But for a single font.. not bad !

kimlizzy · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005

Well excuse me Pesto but I have had 4 or 5 fonts open at one time and they all showed up fine in my program.

I just now opened 4 fonts and they showed up fine in DIP. DH witnessed it and is impressed that he has learned something new tonight.