Activating in the Character Panel only the fonts from my own local library

[DougKatz]

I am trying to replicate an arrangement I've had on a 2015 iMac running Monterey, Illustrator 2020 and the then current FontAgent desktop application. Now using a new iMac 2024, Illustrator 2026, and the current Font Agent. I've loaded the fonts (all OpenType) and all of the ones I've activated in FontAgent are listed as expected in Illustrator's Character Panel..

THE PROBLEM: I haven't found the way on my new set-up to display ONLY the fonts activated in FontAgent. By some setting (or set of settings), I was able to hide all but the faces I use. I want to create the same ease, efficiency and convenience—100s of typefaces I'll never use are clogging the works. I'll be most grateful for any solution or advice.

[Monika Gause]

You can set up your custom font library for that, but it won't happen automatically.

[DougKatz]

Thanks, Monika. Truth is, I don't even know what a "custom font library" is and, if it won't "happen automatically," how to make it happen. I assume trashing all those unwanted fonts from the OS's System folder is a "no-no."

Oh well, I'll keep researching. (Does everyone else just live with this endless font dropdown list?)

[DougKatz]

Apologies, Monika! I think I've figured it out. The trick is in the "Your Fonts" toggle in the Character Panel. That drop down will show only those fonts I've activated with a star in the Panel (and of course in FontAgent).

[Kurt Gold]

Doug,

custom font libraries in the Character panel are pretty new (introduced in Illustrator 30.0) and they are not the same as the "Your Fonts" section.

They are connected with the CC Font Libraries and as far as I can see a bit half-heartedly implemented as a beta approach at their current state.

https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/illustrator/desktop/design-with-text/fonts-and-scripts/font-options-overv...

[DougKatz]

Thanks, Dr. Gold!

It turns out I was not fond at all with CC Font Libraries. As you said, they're not the same as the Your Fonts section. For one thing Your Fonts serves me quite well so far. Closest to how I was (happily) working with older Illustrators, older operating systems, older FontAgent applications.

I'm older. Most comfortable with older tools and operations.

Nice to hear you again.

[Kurt Gold]

Yes, Doug, using "Your Fonts" with the favourite star labels is probably the most straightforward and reliable way for your purposes at the moment.

Currently, the new custom libraries are rather embryonic and the User Interface of the CC Libraries panel and its general handling is, well, in need of many possible improvements.

It's my pleasure to hear you again as well. I thought you already passed away peacefully, but fortunately you are a persistent man.

Man!

[DougKatz]

I've not yet given up the ghost. I just settled in with my 2015 iMac, Illustrator 2020, and OS Monterey. My clients were not complaining about my illustrations, designs, and copywriting. They only cared about the results. So I've been watching this sight almost daily but having little to contribute. Now things are changing. So I'll be asking you a steady flow of questions.