future trends in font management

FUTURE TRENDSIN FONT MANAGEMENTPresented by Jim Kidwell

WHERE WE ARE TODAY

• Font centralization into a single server

• Automatic distribution to users

• Fonts synchronized for consistent use

• Users have easy access to corporate assets

FUTURE TRENDS

• Usage on more platforms

• Inclusion of additional creative teams

• Extension to other public-facing teams

• Evolving font access & file type support

• Production automation

• Increased compliance efforts

PLATFORM EXPANSION

• Primarily macOS for creative environments

• Windows use increasing

• Mixed OS environments more common

• Mobile & tablet users slow growth

MORE CREATIVE TEAM COVERAGE

• Graphic design – New Adobe CC, Affinity Designer

• Video production - After Effects, Premiere, Nuke

• Product design – Sketch

• Production

• Web teams

ADDITIONAL TEAMSAny team that produces publicfacing documents

• Sales

• Marketing

• Administration

FONT ACCESS & FILE TYPE SUPPORT

• Font library subscriptions / Typekit

• New font formats

§ Variable Font Format, SVG, web font formats

• Deprecation of legacy font formats

§ Multiple Master, Postscript, EOT

PRODUCTION AUTOMATION

• Automated publishing integration

FONT COMPLIANCE

COMPLIANCE EFFORTS

• Implementation is not just an enterprise issue

• Building effective strategies

FOUNDRY RELATIONS

• Build a relationship

• Many foundries are agreeable

UNDERSTAND LICENSE VARIATIONS

• Every foundry is different

• Copies of licenses should be available pre-purchase

• Standard licenses across foundries?§ Desirable, yes? § Antitrust concerns prevent this

POTENTIAL LICENSE VARIATIONS• Use on product – varies by number of imprints & use• Embedding into eBooks• Distribution to a printer• Use of a single glyph• Use in logo development• Modification of original font file• Use in an application• Use on a website (web font use)• United Nations clauses for overseas enforceability

COMPLIANCE STEPS1. Inventory fonts2. Collect to central location3. Assess licensing4. Lock down OS builds and application suites5. Implement font management applications6. Develop font licensing process7. Train users and administrators8. Give users access

LICENSED FONT SEQUESTRATION STRATEGY• Build two libraries (workgroups)

• known licensed fonts• Fonts of unknown origin

• Lock down unknown origin to preview only

• As fonts are required, license them appropriately

• Add to licensed fonts library

TRUE-UP STRATEGY

• Known library of licensed fonts

• Enable usage tracking

• Set regular examination schedule

• Purchase additional licenses as required

STRICT USAGE STRATEGY• Build library of known licensed fonts• License for exact number of users• Set usage restrictions at hard user limits• Additional users beyond the limit are prevented from using fonts

FUTURE TRENDS RECAP• Usage on more platforms• Inclusion of additional creative teams• Extension to other public-facing teams• Evolving font access & file type support• Production automation• Increased compliance efforts

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?• Download Server-based Font Management Best Practices Guide

§ http://www.extensis.com/fmbpg

• Assess your strategies and adjust accordingly

• Meet with an Extensis engineer today – signup at registration