OpenType
OpenType® is a new cross-platform font file format developed jointly by Adobe and Microsoft. Adobe now offers hundreds of fonts in the OpenType format.
The two main benefits of the OpenType format are its cross-platform compatibility (the same font file works on Macintosh and Windows computers), and its ability to support widely expanded character sets and layout features, which provide richer linguistic support and advanced typographic control.
The OpenType format is an extension of the TrueType SFNT format that also can support Adobe® PostScript® font data and new typographic features. OpenType fonts containing PostScript data, such as those in the Adobe Type Library, have an .otf suffix in the font file name, while TrueType-based OpenType fonts have a .ttf file name suffix.
OpenType fonts can include an expanded character set and layout features, providing broader linguistic support and more precise typographic control. Feature-rich Adobe OpenType fonts can be distinguished by the word "Pro," which is part of the font name and appears in application font menus. OpenType fonts can be installed and used alongside PostScript Type 1 and TrueType fonts. (From Adobe Type website)
Applying OpenType font attributes
When you use an OpenType font for your text, you can select the following OpenType features when formatting text or defining styles:
Note: OpenType fonts vary greatly in the number of type styles and kinds of features they offer. Square brackets [ ] indicate a feature not supported by the currently selected font.
Discretionary Ligatures
Font designers may include optional ligatures that should not be turned on in all circumstances. Selecting this option allows these additional optional ligatures to be used, if they are present. For more information on ligatures, see Using ligatures.
Fraction
Numbers separated by a slash (such as 1/2) are converted to a fraction (such as 1/2), when fractions are available.
Ordinal
Ordinal numbers such as 1st and 2nd are formatted with superscript letters (1st and 2nd), when ordinals are available. Letters such as the superscript a and o in the Spanish words segunda (2a) and segundo (2o) are also typeset properly.
Swash
When they are available, regular and contextual swashes, which may include alternate caps and end-of-word alternatives, are provided.
Titling Alternatives
When they are available, characters used for uppercase titles are activated. In some fonts, selecting this option for text formatted in both uppercase and lowercase letters can yield undesired effects.
Contextual Alternatives
When they are available, contextual ligatures and connecting alternates are activated. This option is turned on by default.
All Small Caps
For fonts that include real small caps, selecting this option turns characters into small caps. For more information, see Applying all caps or small caps.
Superscript/Superior & Subscript/Inferior
Some OpenType fonts include raised or lowered glyphs that are sized correctly relative to the surrounding characters. If an OpenType font does not include these glyphs for non-standard fractions, consider using the Numerator and Denominator attributes.
Numerator & Denominator
Some OpenType fonts convert only basic fractions (such as 1/2 or 1/4) to fraction glyphs, not non-standard fractions (such as 4/13 or 99/100). Apply Numerator and Denominator attributes to these non-standard fractions in such cases.
Tabular Lining
Full-height figures all of the same width are provided. This option is appropriate in situations where numbers need to line up from one line to the next, as in tables.
Proportional Oldstyle
Varying-height figures with varying widths are provided. This option is recommended for a classic, sophisticated look in text that doesn't use all caps.
Proportional Lining
Full-height figures with varying widths are provided. This option is recommended for text that uses all caps.
Tabular Oldstyle
Varying-height figures with fixed, equal widths are provided. This option is recommended when you want the classic appearance of old-style figures, but need them to align in columns, as in an annual report.
Default Figure Style
Figure glyphs use the default figure style of the current font.
To apply OpenType font attributes:
1. In the Character palette, make sure that an OpenType font is selected.
2. Choose OpenType in the Character palette menu, and then select an OpenType attribute, such as Discretionary Ligatures or Fractions. Square brackets [ ] indicate a feature not supported by the currently selected font.
You can also select OpenType font attributes when defining a paragraph or character style. Use the OpenType Features section of the Style Options dialog box. (From Adobe InDesign Help)
Department of Communication, Seton Hall University