Suitcase Fusion 2 adds font matching, preview options
updated 08:30 pm EDT, Mon October 20, 2008
Suitcase Fusion 2
Extensis has released the latest version of its font management utility, Suitcase Fusion 2. The update features a redesigned user interface and code base, with SQLite support claimed to improve speed and reliability. The new program is built around the Leopard operating system, with exact font matching and auto-activation plugin support for Adobe Illustrator CS4 and QuarkXpress 8. Multiple font previews adjust in size while working for faster selection and comparison, while the new Glyph View Palette allows previews of multiple glyphs within one type face.
The Floating Preview tool allows type previews to be dragged and dropped into a layout, with resizing provided by a zoom slider. The auto-activation plug-ins automatically activate or deactivate fonts within other programs including InDesign and QuarkXpress. Exact font matches can be determined and applied by using the Font Sense feature, which applies a unique ID for each font for consistency through the production process.
Fonts can be compared using an "ABC123" view to show the standard characters, the QuickType view showing the font applied to any selected text, a paragraph view for displaying larger amounts of text, and the Waterfall view for comparing different point sizes. The new customizable interface shows a sets pane, font pane, and preview pane. Suitcase Fusion 2 for Mac OS X 10.5 is available from Extensis for $100, or as an upgrade from a registered earlier version for $50.
