This is probably strange for a novice like myself write anything about this subject, but for all the factual details I will provide source links. However, given how long typography has been around (and well before internet conception), it is quite appalling no pure solution has yet been devised.
The problem is with outrageously limited number of standard fonts available on a local computer. In case of viewing a text in a browser, there must be either a site specified font available on the particular machine, or a default replacement will be applied instead. This of course can lead to going from pretty to ugly (or unwanted) look at an instant. Most web designers know that (luckily), so they play along and use different techniques to ensure intended look on any browser. Most basic and most common is replacing a heading (or any part of type) with an image, so it can be created exactly to designer's vision. There is a number of problems with this approach though. After the single advantage of getting exactly the intended output, disadvantages flow in:
1. extra work required to make-up replacement images
2. ever rising difficulty managing a site, as any changes in type require a new image
3. additional images added to the site = slower site response
4. more images = more links = increasing chances of broken links (ugly)
Is there a better solution? Yeap - and it's called sIFR or Scalable Inman Flash Replacement. Authors of this technique, Mike Davidson and Mark Wubben, have succeeded creating a javascript/CSS/Flash combo pack, that essentially looks through the heading elements on a page and creates Flash replacements based on designer chosen fonts and matching measurements of a particular element in question, then places them inside the page as intended. All of it on the fly as the page loads in a browser. If Flash is not present on a computer, original type remains intact.
As I mentioned above, I'm not the guy to delve into the workings of this machine. Results are stunning and thus far, the ONLY manageable solution to type issue.
For factual information on this exciting option please visit Mike Davidson's page.
The problem is with outrageously limited number of standard fonts available on a local computer. In case of viewing a text in a browser, there must be either a site specified font available on the particular machine, or a default replacement will be applied instead. This of course can lead to going from pretty to ugly (or unwanted) look at an instant. Most web designers know that (luckily), so they play along and use different techniques to ensure intended look on any browser. Most basic and most common is replacing a heading (or any part of type) with an image, so it can be created exactly to designer's vision. There is a number of problems with this approach though. After the single advantage of getting exactly the intended output, disadvantages flow in:
1. extra work required to make-up replacement images
2. ever rising difficulty managing a site, as any changes in type require a new image
3. additional images added to the site = slower site response
4. more images = more links = increasing chances of broken links (ugly)
Is there a better solution? Yeap - and it's called sIFR or Scalable Inman Flash Replacement. Authors of this technique, Mike Davidson and Mark Wubben, have succeeded creating a javascript/CSS/Flash combo pack, that essentially looks through the heading elements on a page and creates Flash replacements based on designer chosen fonts and matching measurements of a particular element in question, then places them inside the page as intended. All of it on the fly as the page loads in a browser. If Flash is not present on a computer, original type remains intact.
As I mentioned above, I'm not the guy to delve into the workings of this machine. Results are stunning and thus far, the ONLY manageable solution to type issue.
For factual information on this exciting option please visit Mike Davidson's page.
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