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As a designer, having a large collection of fonts is essential. However, it can quickly become overwhelming to manage and organize them all. This is where font managers come in – they allow you to easily view, activate, and deactivate fonts, as well as organize them into collections.
If you’re a Mac user looking for a font manager, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best 7 font managers for Mac and their features, pros, and cons.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Font Manager?
A font manager is a software program that allows you to organize your font collection. Essentially, it acts as a middleman between your fonts and your applications. It enables you to activate or deactivate fonts, create font collections, and preview fonts in various sizes and styles. With a font manager, you can easily choose the right font for your design project without having to install and uninstall fonts repeatedly.
Top 7 Font Managers for Mac
1. Suitcase Fusion 9
Suitcase Fusion 9 is arguably one of the best font managers for Mac users. The software has a user-friendly interface that simplifies font management, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer. What’s more, it integrates with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, making it ideal for people who use Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
Pros:
– It has an auto-activation plugin that activates the required fonts in the selected Adobe application automatically.
– You can easily create sets and nested sets for managing font collections.
– It provides detailed font information and sample texts with a customizable preview pane.
Cons:
– Its price is relatively higher than other font managers.
– It doesn’t work well with other design software besides Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
2. FontExplorer X Pro
FontExplorer X Pro is another popular font manager that boasts a wide range of features. The software allows you to categorize your fonts, preview them, and activate or deactivate them when needed. Moreover, it integrates with popular design software such as Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Sketch, and QuarkXPress.
Pros:
– It has a customizable interface that is easy to navigate.
– You can easily browse through fonts and compare them against each other, thanks to the software’s font cataloging feature.
– It offers an extensive range of supported file types.
Cons:
– Its user interface can be a bit clunky at times.
– Its font library syncing feature is not as reliable as Suitcase Fusion 9’s.
3. RightFont 5
RightFont 5 is a font manager that places a strong emphasis on collaboration. The software allows multiple users to work on font projects simultaneously, making it ideal for teams. Additionally, it lets you install web fonts directly from Google Fonts, Typekit, and other popular font libraries.
Pros:
– It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to use.
– You can preview fonts in multiple sizes and styles.
– Its collaboration feature allows team members to view and use the same font projects.
Cons:
– Its font activation can be slow and frustrating at times.
– It doesn’t support OpenType variable fonts.
4. FontBase
FontBase is a free, open-source font manager that suits both beginners and professionals. The software has a clear, minimalist interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage your fonts. Moreover, it supports all major font file types and is compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems.
Pros:
– It has a clean, user-friendly interface.
– It offers fast font rendering and scrolling.
– Being open-source, it is free to use.
Cons:
– It lacks some advanced features such as auto-activation.
– Its interface can be overwhelming for users with large font collections.
5. FontLab 7
FontLab 7 is a professional font design and development software that also includes a font manager. The software enables you to create your fonts, edit existing ones, and install and manage your fonts in collections. What’s more, it supports all major font file types, including OpenType, TrueType, and Postscript.
Pros:
– It has an extensive set of font design and management tools.
– You can easily create, edit, and preview fonts in the software.
– It supports advanced features such as OpenType variable fonts.
Cons:
– It is relatively expensive compared to other font managers.
– Its interface can be complex for beginners.
6. Typeface 2
Typeface 2 is an affordable font manager that offers great value for money. The software has a modern, clean interface that allows you to manage your fonts in collections easily. Additionally, it supports all major font file types and syncs your fonts across multiple devices.
Pros:
– It is affordable compared to other font managers.
– Its interface is easy to use and navigate.
– Its syncing feature allows you to keep your fonts consistent across multiple devices.
Cons:
– Its font activation can be slow and frustrating.
– Its font organization feature can be improved.
7. FontDoctor
FontDoctor is a specialized font management tool that focuses on diagnosing and repairing font problems. The software scans your font collection for corrupt fonts, duplicate fonts, and font conflicts, and then fixes them automatically. What’s more, it integrates with the popular Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
Pros:
– It is a specialized font management tool that helps you keep your fonts optimized.
– Its diagnostic feature is reliable and accurate.
– It integrates seamlessly with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite.
Cons:
– It lacks some advanced font management features found in other font managers.
– Its user interface is not as modern as some other font managers.
Pros and Cons of Each Font Manager
| Font Manager | Free Trial? | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitcase Fusion 9 | 30-day free trial | $118.99/year | Easy | Good |
| FontExplorer X Pro | 30-day free trial | $89.99/year | Medium | Good |
| RightFont 5 | 30-day free trial | $49.95 one-time purchase | Easy | Good |
| FontBase | Free | Open-source | Easy | Great |
| FontLab 7 | 5-day free trial | $49.00/month or $649.00 one-time purchase | Advanced | Good |
| Typeface 2 | Free | $19.99 one-time purchase | Easy | Great |
| FontDoctor | No | $69.99/year | Easy | Good |
Our Thoughts on Font Managers
After reviewing the top 7 font managers for Mac, we believe that Suitcase Fusion 9 is the best overall choice due to its advanced features and seamless integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite. However, if you’re on a budget, Typeface 2 and FontBase offer great value for money.
Ultimately, the choice of font manager depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you work extensively with fonts, it’s worth investing in a high-quality font manager that offers advanced features. However, for occasional use, a free or budget-friendly font manager might suffice.
FAQs
Q1: Is it necessary to use a font manager?
A: While a font manager is not essential, it can greatly improve your workflow and productivity as a designer. A font manager allows you to organize your fonts, preview them easily, and activate or deactivate them when necessary, which can save you time and minimize font-related errors.
Q2: Can I use a font manager with non-Adobe programs?
A: While some font managers are designed to work seamlessly with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, most font managers can also be integrated with other design software such as Sketch, QuarkXPress, and Affinity Designer.
Q3: Can I install fonts directly into a font manager?
A: Yes, most font managers allow you to install fonts into the software by simply dragging and dropping the font files into the application.
Q4: Can I try out a font manager before purchasing it?
A: Yes, most font managers offer a free trial period that allows you to test out the software’s features and compatibility before committing to a purchase.
Q5: Are there any free font managers available?
A: Yes, there are several free and open-source font managers available for Mac users, including FontBase and Font Catalog Creator.
In Conclusion
A font manager can greatly improve your workflow and productivity as a designer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, there is a font manager out there that can meet your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you find the best font manager for your Mac.