cross-platform font suggestions

[L+K]

We are beginning to work with PC / AutoCAD files from our consultants. We have VW 9 & use MACS. In order to prevent font problems, are there any cross-platform, cross-program Fonts you recommend? An architecture typeface, such as Graphite Lite, would be preferred.

Also, can fonts be imported or exported into the other program?

[Guest]

Fonts cannot be imported/exported between vw and autocad. VectorWorks uses the fonts that are installed on your computer. AutoCad has thier own fonts. Ariel is a common font across platforms, however it's not the same on both platforms.

When you have a font in an AutoCad file that your computer does not recognize, you get a font mapping dialog box that allows you to specify a font that is installed on your computer to replace it. Likewise for AutoCad. You may already have a font mapping in place for certain fonts. You can check this by going to VW Preferenes, Font Mappings button. AutoCad also uses a special kind of font, SHX that is not supported by VectorWorks. It's a good idea to stick to TrueType fonts that are system fonts, however if you need to go outside of system fonts, you should still stick with TrueType Fonts. There have been some instances where Adobe TT fonts have caused printing problems with carbonized applications in worksheets. You should always test a font in printing on a document and in worksheets before you commit yourself to using a font thruought a file.

[MikeB]

The absolute best font to use cross platform in my opinion is Ariel, it's on virtually every computer in the world. I also find it very easy to read and it reproduces very well.

It dosen't have that hand lettered look, but I personally think its rather silly to use those types fonts anyway, after all were not hand lettering anymore.

[Guest]

If you are using Windows XP and Mac OS X you will want to look at OpenType fonts. You can drag and drop them from one platform to another and they look the same on both platforms... although you may have slightly different spacing between platforms.