THE NON-DESIGNER'S TYPE BOOK

Setting ligatures

You can always set the fi and fl ligatures in just about any font on the
Macintosh. If you want other ligatures, or if you use a PC, you will have to
invest in an expert font set.

fi Option Shift 5

fl Option Shift 6

In Mac QuarkXPress, there is a feature that automatically sets the ligatures
whenever you type "fi" or "f 1" in the document. From the Edit menu, slide
down to "Preferences," out to "Document," and click the "Character" tab.
(In version 3.3, choose "Typographic" from the "Preferences" submenu.)
Check the "Ligatures" checkbox. The "Break Above" amount is a kerning
value so if you letterspace your type beyond that amount, the ligature will
automatically separate back into the two separate characters.

The dotless i

Generally, ligatures are not used in display type (type in large sizes, above
24-point). If you have a problem with the hook of the "f " bumping into the
dot of the "i," try using the dotless i character: 1 (type Option Shift B).
Again, this character is only available in Macintosh fonts.

Flying fish found in pocket!

Notice the problem in the fi" combination.

Flying fish found in pocket!

The dotless i solves this problem so neatly.

This dotless i character also comes in handy any other time the dot gets in
the way, as might happen if you use italic swash caps.

Tactor ÍWugo T/ictor í7iugo

Oooh, doesn't that dot bumping into the V bother you? Now you can fix it.

Condensed and
È bxtended Jupe

Type families often have more members than the basic Regular, Italic,
Bold, and Bold Italic. A larger family might have Condensed, Bold
Condensed, Extra Condensed, Extended, Black Extended, etc. Other
typefaces are single-member families and are designed specifically as one
very condensed or very extended look.

Condensed type is type that looks like it has been compressed, or squished,
horizontally, but not vertically. Extended type seems to have been expanded,
or stretched horizontally. You can use condensed or extended type for prac¬
tical typographic solutions or simply for playful effects.

This is Eurostile Plain, a great face.

This is Eurostile Condensed, another great face.

This is Eurostile Extended, also great.

Condensed faces often have a "tall," elegant look. Extended faces usually
appear squatty, yet appealing. They often have a high-tech, assertive look.