Overview

When creating documents for the uDesignIt! system, it is important to ensure that the fonts used are compatible with our server environment.

The uDesignIt! server is Windows-based, which means:

• All fonts used in your document must be installed on our servers
• Fonts must be compatible with the Windows platform

Recommended Font Format: OpenType

We understand that many documents are created on the Macintosh platform, which may use Mac-specific fonts.

If your original document was created on a Mac, we strongly recommend using:

✅ OpenType Fonts

Why OpenType?

• Platform-independent (works on both Mac and Windows)
• Fully compatible with the uDesignIt! server
• Provides the highest flexibility and accuracy
• Ensures consistent rendering across systems

The same OpenType font used to create the native Mac document can be used directly on our Windows-based uDesignIt! server.

❗ Variable Fonts Are Not Supported

The uDesignIt! system does not support Variable Font files.

What Are Variable Fonts?

A Variable Font is a single font file that contains multiple styles within it. Instead of having separate files for regular, bold, italic, light, condensed, extended, etc.

A variable font allows these styles to be adjusted dynamically using sliders (such as weight, width, slant, or optical size).

While this technology offers flexibility for design applications, it introduces compatibility and rendering inconsistencies in server-based production environments.

Why They Are Not Supported

• Variable fonts rely on dynamic interpolation between styles
• Not all rendering engines handle variation data consistently
• Server-based automation systems require static, clearly defined font files
• Output accuracy cannot be guaranteed

👉 Please provide static OpenType font files (e.g., separate Regular, Bold, Italic files) instead of variable font files.

If You Do Not Have OpenType Fonts

If OpenType versions of your fonts are not available:

• We may substitute an OpenType equivalent from our licensed font library
• We maintain the complete Adobe Font Folio for use with uDesignIt!

For full details about Adobe Font Folio and OpenType fonts, visit:
👉 www.adobe.com/type

If No Equivalent Font Exists

⚠ Important Disclaimer About Font Conversion

While tools exist to convert fonts between formats (PostScript, TrueType, OpenType), we generally do not recommend conversion.

Why?

• Each font format contains internal fields, flags, and attributes specific to that format and platform
• Designers and foundries carefully configure these attributes
• Conversion tools may not correctly set these internal properties
• Converted fonts are considered modified files
• Most font foundries will not support modified fonts
• Functionality in applications cannot be guaranteed

Font conversion may not produce the desired results.

Preferred Font Formats (From Most to Least Recommended)

For best results in the uDesignIt! system, use the following formats in this order:

1. OpenType (Static Fonts Only) – Most Preferred
   • Highest flexibility
   • Highest accuracy
   • Best overall compatibility
2. Windows TrueType
3. Windows Type 1 (PostScript)

Summary

To ensure smooth processing and accurate document rendering:

• ✔ Use static OpenType fonts whenever possible
• ✔ Do not submit Variable Font files
• ✔ Confirm fonts are Windows-compatible
• ✔ Avoid font conversion unless absolutely necessary
• ✔ Understand that converted fonts may not be supported by the foundry

Following these guidelines will help prevent compatibility issues and ensure your uDesignIt!-based documents render correctly.