CSS and Fonts

[CoderJohan]

Hello again...

I'm new to CSS and doesn't know exactly what i can do with it... So i have a question... To show a font on a webpage you have to install it inorder to make it work but is there away to do this with CSS if the font is located on the server? Or do you need to install it anyway?
Thanks
//Johan

[Norman Graham]

Bad luck, I'm afraid. In order for a font to be shown, it needs to be on the client machine. The server can't influence the fonts which the client browser is capable of showing. If you want fancy fonts, you'll either have to offer a font download on your site (illegal unless you own the rights to the font or you obtain permission from the rights holder) or insert any fancy font text as a graphic. If the font is just for nice headings etc., then graphics is the way to go.

Otherwise, it's is very good HTML/CSS policy to choose fonts which every PC/Mac in the world already has. These are Verdana, Arial, Helvetica for a sans-serif font and Times, New Century Schoolbook, Garamond for a serif font. I recommend stipulating these font selections in the CSS, leaving room for each browser to choose what it has available. Anyone who can't view your site because the fonts are unusual won't be visiting twice.

Best of luck

Norman

[mzanimephp]

Correction. :o

Speaking as a avid Mac OS X user, I know that Mac does not have "New Century Schoolbook" font.

[Major Tom]

Actually, you can insert your own fonts. It will only work for IE though...

See the MS WEFT pages (http://www.microsoft.com/typography/web/embedding/weft3/default.htm) for more info.

[Norman Graham]

Originally posted by mzanimephp
Correction. :o

Speaking as a avid Mac OS X user, I know that Mac does not have "New Century Schoolbook" font.
Yeah, which is why you should always offer a selection of fonts in the CSS and the statement "sans-serif" or "serif" so that the browser can choose its own best choice and forge ahead with displaying the website.

Norman

[mzanimephp]

Originally posted by Major Tom
Actually, you can insert your own fonts. It will only work for IE though...

See the MS WEFT pages (http://www.microsoft.com/typography/web/embedding/weft3/default.htm) for more info.

Yeah, that is true... but I've seen and heard that they don't always display properly in certain browsers on Mac, and Linux. They appear too damned small to see.

[Major Tom]

Originally posted by mzanimephp
Yeah, that is true... but I've seen and heard that they don't always display properly in certain browsers on Mac, and Linux. They appear too damned small to see. Yes. As I said it will (probably?) only work properly on IE...