Skip to main content
A
AnnShelbourne
Inspiring
December 20, 2021
Answered

Type X fonts: what are they?

  • December 20, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 860 views

I notice that I have a bunch of Fonts on my computer which are labelled as being of a type "X".

Are these Type 1 PS fonts, TT, TTF or something else?

And will they still be compatible with Adobe apps in 2023 or should I trash them?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer J E L

    Yes, if they aren't Type 1 fonts then I don't think they pose any problems. I still don't know what an "x" font type is, though. Seems it's just a system designation of some sort, but these are actually TTFs. You can always hide the fonts you don't want to use, so they don't show up in your font list within your applications. But they are still there on your system if you ever have an old document that calls for them, so you can investigate further.


    (Just to add that I find this reference information helpful, too, when I go looking for fonts.)

     

    Fonts types that can be embedded within documents: All TrueType and OpenType fonts have “embedding permissions” encoded within them, these are typically set by the font’s supplier, and are defined as part of the OpenType font file specification. There are a number of settings, but the main ones of interest are as follows:

     

    • No embedding—The font supplier does not allow embedding. These fonts are quite rare.
    • Print and preview—The font supplier allows for embedding but the document is locked and cannot be edited. Most third-party fonts have this setting.
    • Editable—The font supplier allows the font to be embedded within a document and allows the document to be edited using that embedded font.
    • Installable—This is the most permissive setting. The font supplier allows the font to be embedded within a document, and permits the document viewing application to permanently install the font on the user’s computer. Most applications treat these fonts like those set to Editable embedding.

    1 reply

    J E L
    Community Expert
    J E LCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 20, 2021

    @AnnShelbourne I have never seen this font type before. Where are you seeing them labeled as such? Are you running Windows? If so, show us a screenshot of those fonts like the one below of my fonts, including the file name extension. In any case, I'd recommend replacing them with either Open or True Type fonts as soon as possible.

     

     

    A
    AnnShelbourneAuthor
    Inspiring
    December 20, 2021

    I am guessing that the X Fonts are actually a flavour of TT because I have checked the fonts in Ps 2022 and the X fonts are listed as being available. I don't remember where they came from: perhaps with MS Ofice?

     

    Here is the screenshot of them in FontAgent:

    J E L
    Community Expert
    J E LCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 20, 2021

    Yes, that's possible they are remnants of a Microsoft program. If you can't see the file name extensions to be sure (.ttf or .otf) then I would remove and/or replace them with their equivalents. I removed (or hid) all my Type 1 fonts, just to be sure I don't ever use them by mistake.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices