Hi all,

I have a particular font that I like, Arial Unicode MS, and I want to use it on several pages on my upcoming website. I assume that if it is not compatible - as everyone won't have it - that each browser will simply substute regular Arial instead.

Is there an easy way around this problem? I did a search here, and read that checking the "allow advanced text" box will turn the text into an image. And that further, if you select "shadow" from the effects menu, and minimize all the parameters, that the text will look normal, except that it will be converted iinto an image, and therefore compatable with all computers.

Is this correct?

I have a related question. If you create a shape, and enter text into that shape via the "Button Text" window, is the text now an image, a part of the shape?

Thanks in advance! The latest version of VSD is just a pleasure to use.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I believe you're right.

If you look at the graphic files generated by VSD, it suggest that any alteration of text as mentioned by you and also "text-on-shapes", are translated into a graphics file and therefor displayed "as is" on any computer screen.

Please consider "Coffee Cup Website Fonts" to make this issue a non-issue

Dick.

Hi Dick. Thanks for the comments and suggestion!

I didn't consider turning my text into a flash file. Sometimes I forget all the stuff that CC has available.

So, now I'm looking at the Website Font maker. I've watched the video's, and browsed that particular forum. It looks relatively complicated. I've used Firestarter, and it seems easy by comparison.

Assuming that create my text with Website Font Maker, are the flash files previewable in VSD? If I have to upload it first to view, then it may be too big of hassle.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
IF you decide on using Website FOnt, You can only preview your font online- I would first consider your idea of using Firestarter. IMO
or better yet try using the advanced text option then upload and see if someone can see your font on their computer to make sure it's viewable As it is now an image.

You can also consider to use a program as simple as MS Paint to write headers and such, save it as a .jpg and use it on your pages. Costs = 0.00

Well, I've decided to surrender.

I'm switching to Verdana, even though the VSD text box won't let me use the size I most desire. This is for body text, not just headers.

The problem with the Advanced Text option is, the font becomes slightly blurry when converted to an image. For me, the crispness of the font trumps everything else. I've noticed that in VSD, images which contain text look just as crisp as they do on the paint program where I created them - until I hit the preview button. For some reason, the image text always gets slightly fuzzy, and it also looks fuzzy on the internet. This never happened with the old WYSIWYG program (called Splash) that I used previously. There, the images stayed razor sharp.

If there was a way to combine the old program with VSD... But VSD is still a lot better overall.

As for the flash option, I'm curious if the text also degrades in VSD when flash is used, but the hassle of figuring it out is more than I want right now. I just need to get the site up. Maybe I can experiment later.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
Actually your best option would be firestarter less hassle then website font...
just a matter of copying the code to your page using the html tool, and going to add files to add the swf- and save and upload. I haven't noticed any degrading in text in firestarter, but hey I wear coke bottles as glasses lol......kidding!

Jeff the black & red text in the centre of my home page was achieved by "allow advanced text" Tick box option

I used a little shadow etc, but when i did not it was perfectly crisp

All done with CC visual site designer

Viv

Hi Viv,

Nice site! For your purposes, text-as-image looks fine.

My site requires multiple paragraphs/pages of text. For many reasons, using text as images is not practical.

Also, when I say slightly fuzzy, I don't mean unreadable. The amount of fuzziness does vary somewhat according to the font and size.

When you say "perfectly crisp," I would ask, compared to what? I submit that in using VSD, if you put arial in a text box side-by-side with arial as an image, the text box would be noticably sharper.

Bruzer, the flash thing is tempting. But knowing me, the minute I get back into Firestarter, I'll remember all the cool things that it can do, and start playing. Not a good idea right now, but thanks for the encouragement!

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
even using a shape with text is a little blurry, I guess what I'm saying is flash would be the best way whether using firestarter, website font, or some graphic software to make your own design. sorry champ.