Why a font?

In an ideal world, everyone would have the budget to hire a calligrapher (and if you do, I highly recommend it!), but I also know from the many couples, fellow stationery designers, and small businesses that have inquired over the years that custom calligraphy is not in everyone’s budget. Many asked if I would ever consider creating a font out of my script. I don’t think a font can ever replace calligraphy created by hand, but Ettielier was crafted to come pretty dang close. I will continue to offer custom calligraphy services, and if you are a Collection customer, all of the spot calligraphy on your invitations will continue to be created by hand. Ettielier is for those are looking for a more affordable way to incorporate my distinct calligraphy style into their wedding paper, branding, etc.

How do I unzip my files?

Mac users

Double click the .zip file, then search for the product folder or product file.

PC users

To extract a single file or folder, double-click the compressed folder to open it. Then drag the file or folder from the compressed folder to a new location. To extract the entire contents of the compressed folder, right-click the folder, click “Extract All,” and then follow the instructions.

How do I install the font?

Mac users

Once you have downloaded and unzipped the font folder, you will see OTF or TTF files To install, just double click on the OTF or TTF file. You can also open Font Book, then drag the font file into Font Book.

PC users: Windows 10, 8, and 7

Once you have downloaded and unzipped the font folder, right-click on the OTF or TTF file and select “Install". (You may need to provide administrator permission if you are not logged in with an administrator-privileged account.) You can also just drag and drop the unzipped OTF file into your Windows Fonts folder. Usually this file path is: C:\Windows\Fonts

The font will be installed automatically after the file is dropped into the Windows Fonts folder.

PC users: Windows Vista

Once you have downloaded and unzipped the font folder, select “Control Panel” from the Start menu. Then select “Appearance and Personalization,” then click on “Fonts.” Click “File,” then click “Install New Font.” Navigate to the unzipped folder containing the font. Select the OTF or TTF file(s) and press the Install button.

PC users: Windows XP

Once you have downloaded and unzipped the folder, select “Control Panel” from the Start menu. Then select “Appearance and Personalization,” then select “Fonts” from the "See Also" panel on the left side of the screen. Once in this Fonts window, select “File Menu” and choose “Install New Font.” Navigate to the unzipped folder containing the font. Select the OTF or TTF file(s) and press the OK button to install your fonts.

Important: Restart the program where you intend to use the font, and the fonts will show up in your font list when you open the program again.

What software do I need to use the font?

When you install an OpenType font, you'll see the basic character (ABC, 123) set right away, and this basic set will be accessible in any program that allows you to create text. This basic set will work in Microsoft Office applications, Adobe software, Apple’s Pages app, and virtually any program with a text editor, but not all programs will enable you to automatically use special OpenType features (such as alternates, ligatures, or swashes, explained in more detail below).

Because this is a full-featured font that relies heavily on OpenType features to work seamlessly, we recommend using this font with software that will allow you access all of the OpenType features.

Here are some common programs and their varying levels of OpenType support:

BEST OPENTYPE SUPPORT

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CC2015+, Sketch 3, Quark XPress 7+

MODERATE OPENTYPE SUPPORT

Adobe Photoshop CC2014 or earlier

MINIMAL TO NO OPENTYPE SUPPORT

Microsoft Office applications, Apple Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Silhouette Studio, Cricut Design Space and other cutting software, GIMP

What are OpenType features?

OpenType features are like toolboxes full of extra characters programmed right into the font file to allow the font to behave smartly and seamlessly. This behavior can be as simple as swapping out the default capital “A” with its stylistic alternate or as complex as inserting swashes, positional and contextual alternates, and more to better mimic the nuances of handwriting.

Please note that any program that allows you to create text should allow you to use the basic character set for any of our fonts, but for an optimal experience we recommend using our font with software that can access the OpenType characters.

How do I access all of the OpenType features?

In order to easily access these features, you will need professional design software with full OpenType support. Please note that Vinyl-cutting software (e.g., Silhouette Studio, Cricut Design Space, SCAL, etc) DO NOT offer OpenType support. If you need to use one of our fonts with this type of software, you'll need to use a character map. See next page.

IN ADOBE:

Use the OpenType panel in Illustrator or Character panel in Photoshop or InDesign to turn on and off OpenType features such as standard ligatures, contextual alternates, etc.

To access the entire character set, use the Glyphs panel in Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign.

IN MICROSOFT WORD:

Access the Advanced Font Panel by going to Format > Font > Advanced (Mac) or clicking on the Font panel at the bottom of the toolbar (PC). Enable kerning by checking “Kerning for fonts” under Character Spacing. Then select “Ligatures” under Advanced Typography and choose “Standard and Contextual” from the dropdown menu. Check “Use contextual alternates.” You will likely have to take these steps every time you open Word as the program will revert to its default settings.

You must turn off AutoCorrect for the font to function properly. Mac users, go to Tools > AutoCorrect Options and uncheck “Automatically correct spelling and formatting.” PC users, go to File > Options > Proofing and click “AutoCorrect Options.” Uncheck everything in the “AutoFormat As You Type” tab.

We love this tutorial if you need more help.

Since all Ettie Kim Studio fonts are PUA (Private Use Areas) encoded, you do not have to have Adobe programs in order to access all the characters in the font, although we recommend them. We recommend using Popchar to access PUAs. If you do not wish to pay for Popchar, you can access PUAs through Character Maps (Windows) or Font Book (Mac).