Can I convert dfonts to Mac TrueType fonts using Smasher 1.x?

As you smash fonts, Smasher 1.x can convert dfonts into Mac TrueType fonts. Before learning how to convert dfonts into Mac TrueType fonts, you may want to understand more about dfonts and why you might need to convert them.

What is a dfont ?

A dfont is really the same as a Mac TrueType font except its data is stored in the data fork instead of the resource fork of the font file. The dfont file format works only in Mac OS X and was created for users who format their drive as a Unix File System (USF) since USF doesn't support resource-based files. As long as you're using Mac OS X or UNIX, it's fine to leave these fonts as dfonts and not convert them to Mac TrueType.

Converting dfonts into Mac TrueType Fonts

When an operating system other than Mac OS X or UNIX encounters a dfont file, it won’t recognize the file at all. So if you still use OS 9 or Classic versions of programs, or if you use an old RIP (Raster Image Processor) that runs a pre-Mac OS X operating system, you need to convert your dfont files into Mac TrueType files.

Mac TrueType fonts are neither better nor worse than dfonts. They are simply the same fonts stored in different file architectures. You should see no differences in kerning or glyph quality between a dfont and a Mac TrueType font converted from that dfont. The only real difference is that Mac TrueType is usable by Mac OS X and pre-Mac OS X computers while a dfont is not.

To convert dfonts to Mac TrueType fonts:

1    Drag or use the Add Fonts button on the Smasher toolbar (Command+O) to import some dfonts into Smasher.
2    Click the Preferences button on the Smasher toolbar (Command+,) to open the Preferences dialog.
3    Check Convert smashed dfonts to Mac TrueType suitcases and click OK.
4    Select a dfont suitcase , family or style in the Suitcases, Fonts and Styles pane in Smasher.
5    Drag the dfont suitcase, family or style onto the desktop from the Smasher interface or click the Smash toolbar button and select a destination for your smashed font.

The new fonts are now usable in pre-Mac OS X systems and applications.

Note: When you click the Smash button on the Smasher toolbar or drag a suitcase, family or style to the desktop, you hear a smashing sound that indicates you are smashing a font. If the smashing or the conversion fails because the fonts are not complete, Smasher will notify you. If you would like to silence the smashing sound, you can do so in Smasher preferences.