Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 3/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: I cannot tell the difference between the two operations. I can only guess that outlining may preserve the "hinting" in the font file.

ANSWER: Hi Russel,

It is recommended to always use Outline Type and not Expand to keep true to the weight and look of the font. Certain fonts lose integrity when expanded, granted it is minute, but sometimes that matters. Hence the separate command just for type.

Thanks

Kevin



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So it sounds like it might be related to the loss of the Hinting in the font file. We have seen some type appear thicker after expanding the type. I will try to find some example fonts that behave differently when expanded and try to outline them as well and see if there is a difference. Do you think it may be too subtle of an issue?

Answer
Hi Russel,

Im not really sure what you mean by "hinting"...

Outlining your type will look exactly the same as the original fonts, so you will notice a difference if you are experiencing problems with expanding.

I would never use expanding over outlining.

Thanks

Kevin