Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/25/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am using Illustrator CS4 and have today installed Helvetica Neue font to my C drive, font folder after downloading it from the net.  It is formatted as Open Type Layout, Postscript Outline which I thought would be suitable however even after restarting my computer Illustrator does not show this font in the drop down box. I can use it in word.
Do I need to install it into Illustrator as well and if so how or have I got the incorrect format for Adobe?

ANSWER: Hi Kylie,

You are right on both counts, you could have an incompatible font (especially if it is a free web download). The only way to check is to install it into the Illustrator Font folder found in Common Files\Adobe\Fonts . If it still does not show up after restart, it may be incompatible. It is common on Windows versions of Illustrator. Also, be sure to check your entire font list. Sometimes downloaded fonts show up in a different section, not necessarily in the alphabetical list. I had one font show up at the very bottom underneath my Asian fonts once.

Thanks!

Kevin

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the very fast reply Kevin!
I loaded the fonts into the Adobe Font folder and restarted the computer just in case this made any difference.  Of the 6 fonts I loaded a couple worked.  For some reason if I start typing in the font I want to use in the character tool bar it will only pick up on one or two, a couple didn't work and couple came up with a slightly different description and were located as you suggested in a different section of the drop down font list event though the first word on all the fonts is Helvetica.  If I open a new illustrator file I can find them, if I open up existing art then some are not there.  I have over come this by typing a word or two into the new file then pasting into the existing file that needs the font.  It has worked so basically though it isn't straight forward I seem to be able to get the file at least looking like it has the font required!  If there is anyway to make this easier please let me know but otherwise thanks for your help!
Kylie

Answer
Hi Kylie,

Are you utilizing some sort of font management software like Suitcase or Font Explorer? This sounds a lot like that. It is odd that it does not show up from old documents and you shouldn't have to redo text to make it show up. Silly question, but after you loaded the fonts, did you completely restart everything - computer and all?

I will check and see if there are any notes about your particular font situation, but I haven't heard of fonts disappearing from a list depending on the document currently opened. Font management software does a similar process, turning fonts on and off depending on usage...

Thanks

Kevin