Designing for the web is a very different process than designing for print. One of the major differences is that you need to be aware of the different file formats that are available for use on the web, and how to properly package your fonts for use in Photoshop.
When it comes to fonts, there are two main file formats that you need to be aware of: TrueType (.ttf) and OpenType (.otf). Both of these formats are supported by all major browsers, so you can be confident that your web pages will look consistent across all platforms.
TrueType is the most widely used font format, and it’s what you’re probably most familiar with. If you’re using a standard desktop application like Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop, chances are good that the fonts you’re using are in TrueType format. OpenType is a more modern format that offers some advantages over TrueType, but it’s not as widely used yet.
When it comes to packaging fonts for use in Photoshop, there are two main methods: embedding and linking. Embedding is the process of including the entire font file within your PSD document.
This has the advantage of ensuring that your font will always display correctly, even on systems that don’t have the font installed. The downside is that it can increase the size of your PSD file quite significantly.
Linking is the process of including only a reference to the font file, rather than embedding the entire thing. This has the advantage of keeping your PSD file size down, but it does mean that you need to make sure that the font file is available on any system that will be used to view your document. If the font file isn’t available, then Photoshop will substitute a different font instead, which can result in some unexpected and undesirable results.
So which method should you use? It really depends on your specific needs.
If you need to guarantee that your font will always display correctly, then embedding is the way to go. If file size is a concern, then linking may be a better option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which method is best for your project.
Can You Package Fonts in Photoshop?
Yes, you can package fonts in Photoshop for use on the web. There are two main methods for doing this: embedding and linking. Embedding ensures that your font will always display correctly, even on systems that don’t have the font installed.
However, it can increase the size of your PSD file quite significantly. Linking only includes a reference to the font file, rather than embedding the entire thing. This keeps your PSD file size down but does mean that you need to make sure that the font file is available on any system that will be used to view your document.
