Expert: LizaL - 10/11/2004

Question
Hi there :)  I'm using photo shop 6.0 to make some mini catalogs.  The graphics are coming out great but every font i use, comes out choppy/blocky/fuzzy.  Any suggestions?  I'm at the point that Im looking at importing the graphics into a program like pagemaker but I'm really hoping to stay with photoshop.  Thanks in advane! -Chuck

Answer
Hi Chuck!

You're smart to consider using Pagemaker, because what you're describing is exactly what it was intended for. In other words, for something like a catalog, you would want to do your graphics in Photoshop, then place them in a page layout program (Pagemaker!), and do your type in Pagemaker.

See, programs like Pagemaker, Quark, and InDesign are all geared toward creating and generating page layouts. They also have much, much better controls for handling type than Photoshop. Photoshop type, just by virtue of being done in Photoshop, becomes bitmapped -- like you say, choppy/block/fuzzy. So I support your idea of going to Pagemaker 100%!!

However -- if you can't be persuaded, LOL, you *can* anti-alias your type in Photoshop. Once you've typed it, select it, and experiment with the anti-aliasing controls at the top of the window, just below the pull-down menus. You should have the option of making the type Sharp, Strong, Crisp and Smooth. I'd try Crisp or Sharp, and see what that looks like.

But do give more thought to using Pagemaker!

Hope this helps --

Lisa