Do us both a favor, try to read this file before you try to use the font. First off, it's copyrighted shareware, not free. Those of you who know me can use it personally for free. Those of you who don't, please send ten bucks ($10.00) if you want to personally use it and keep it, or I really will come back to haunt you in the next ten lives. This is also the alpha (first) version of the fonts--caveat emptor, no warranties exist. Distribution or reproduction in any form is prohibited. The only authorized source of this font is DTPFORUM, or from me. If you find this font on any other source, please notify me. The font outlines contain data points that can be used to confirm the source of the font, and unauthorized distributors will be prosecuted. (Try not to laugh too hard at the concept.) =============================HOW TO USE THE FONT======================= No, you can't just type your zip code in it. The fonts were designed to use the numeric keys (top row-not numeric keypad) plus the two keys that usually are next to the numbers: ~1234567890- `1234567890_ The "start bar" for a POSTNET ZIP+4 sequence has been encoded to the key that has an accent grave and tilde on it. The location of this key varies on different keypads, but it is most frequently next to the numeral one. That's why I put the start code on it. The "end bar" is on your hyphen/underline key, which usually is next to the zero. Simple enough? To write a ZIP+4 code, you type the start bar, the five digit zip code, the additional four digits, a checksum digit, and the end bar. DO NOT put any spaces or dashes in between anything. Do not use any kerning or tracking. You probably will want to type the code in a normal font, so you can proofread it, and then change the entire string to POSTNET. The CHECKSUM: Thank you, Gary Elfring and John Cornicello, for explaining how the checksum works. Suppose your zip code is 11372-4068. Add up all of the numbers. In this case, they total up to 32. The nearest multiple of ten OVER 32 is 40. Subtract 32 from 40, and the difference is 8. That's the checksum--the difference between the total of all nine digits, and the next higher multiple of ten. This font will print in the "correct" size ONLY when used at TEN POINT type size. Please note that using the wrong size, like any mistake in postal bar codes, may send your mail to Mars. This is automation, there are no human beings involved once a bar code gets on your mail. The font has been tested for use on 300-dpi laser printers. It should work on most other printers, including dot matrix, but you should run off a sample first and see if it looks like the mail you get with bar codes. Dot matrix printers have different resolution settings--some will be too thick and blurry to generate the font properly. When in doubt, take a piece to your post office, or try one in the mail, before you commit to thousands of pieces of mail--all obediently heading off to Mars. Why should you use POSTNET bar codes? Because they mean normal first class mail will be delivered overnight rather than in four to ten days. And on bulk mailings, they can save you BIG money--if and only if they are used correctly. The POSITION of the POSTNET code on the envelope is critical. The Post Office specs call for a clear zone 5/8" tall and 4-1/2" wide at the lower right corner of the envelope. The POSTNET code should begin 4" from the right side of the envelope, and end no closer than 5/8" to the right edge of the envelope. The base of the POSTNET bars should be 1/4" above the bottom of the envelope, but no closer than 3/16" or no higher than 7/16" from the bottom edge. (Note that most laser printers cannot print in the first 1/4" of the page, so if you get closer than this, your codes will be cut off anyway. Alignment counts!) There is also an alternate position, immediately ABOVE the top line of the addressee. I don't have detailed specs on that yet. For information, updates, gory details, contact: Automation Readability Specialist Philadelphia Division, United States Postal Service, 2970 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-9706 or your local "Main Post Office". Just explain that you've got thousands of letters to bar code, and you'd really like to get it right the first time. They'll find someone who gets paid to help you. Really. ==================================================================== Send questions, comments, checks (please?), etcetera to: Jared Sherman / Sherman's Army 76-12 35th Avenue Jackson Heights, New York 11372 CIS PPN 71157,132