----------------------------------------------------------------------- README.TXT for FontIcon (TM) Version 0.9 for Windows Version 3.XX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Program and Documentation Copyright (c) 1994 Icon Crafters. All rights reserved. FontIcon is a trademark of Icon Crafters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Icon Crafters 1820 Coit Road #110-205 Plano, TX 75075 U.S.A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is a manual for the shareware version of FontIcon (TM). This version of FontIcon (TM) is a free program, and you may use, copy and distribute this software free of charge provided that you adhere to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Policy. All trademarks mentioned in this manual are the property of their respective owners. 1. Introduction ---------------- If you are getting tired of interpreting cryptic graphic icons on Windows desktop, or squinting to read those tiny titles underneath, then try FontIcon for a change. FontIcon (TM) is a collection of icons of good old ABC's and numbers you can READ. They are drawn in popular font styles which you may be using already. Advanced anti- aliasing technology was used as well as extensive hand tweaking to produce remarkably smooth typeface in a limited resolution of 32x32 grid of icon format. For convenience and manageability, each font sets are compiled in a DLL format. Two font families are included in this release. Refer to List of Files chapter for detailed description of each files. Selected sample from registered version of FontIcon is also included for an obvious marketing reason. We hope you enjoy FontIcon (TM). 2. System Requirement ---------------------- Any computer running Windows 3.XX. 600K free hard disk to copy and dearchive everything. 3. Using FontIcon (TM) - Short and Swift Version ------------------------------------------------- After you select font(s) you want (refer to List of Files chapter), copy the file(s) to Windows directory (or wherever), and select the file with change-icon routine. That's all... You may also want to read "Tips and Hints" chapter just for a heck of it. It's very useful. And you will also want to read about commercial version of FontIcon (TM). 4. List of Files ----------------- There are (should be) ten (10) files included in the package. README.TXT (9,090 bytes) : This file you are reading now. FS1AR1.DLL (45,056 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. In dark blue color with transparent background. FS1AR3.DLL (45,056 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. In dark red color with transparent background. FS2AR1.DLL (45,056 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. In dark blue color with opaque white background. FS3AR1.DLL (68,160 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. Smaller but complete font set, including all caps and lower cases, numbers and some punctuation marks. In dark blue color with transparent background. FS3AR3.DLL (68,160 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. Same as FS3AR1, except in dark red color. FS4AR1.DLL (68,160 bytes) : Arial family FontIcon. Same as FS3AR1, except with opaque white background. FS1TR1.DLL (39,936 bytes) : Times New Roman family FontIcon. In dark blue color with transparent background. FS1TR3.DLL (39,936 bytes) : Times New Roman family FontIcon. In dark red color with transparent background. SAMPLE.DLL (156,288 bytes): Samples from seven font families. * Total : 577 usable icons not including logo etc. 5. Tips and Hints ------------------ A. Background colors and Anti-aliasing ======================================= Anti-aliasing is a technique smoothing out jagged lines or edges by incorporating interim colors to the lines or edges. FontIcon's smooth shape is a result of extensive use of anti-aliasing process. Two shades of gray colors are used in FontIcon's anti-aliasing, and for that reason, transparent background FontIcon does not work well against gray background. We found that white background works best, but many light background colors will work just as well. For dark or gray background colors, FontIcon with opaque white background is included. 6. Registered (Commercial) Version of FontIcon ----------------------------------------------- Here comes the commercial break. While this version is provided as a free software, we have another version which is an almost free software. The registered version contains seven font families, and each font family are provided with at least five different colors and two backgrounds. There are total 120 DLL files, 6,062 useable icons in the package (compare to 577 icons in this version). The documentation is more detailed as well. You can get a good glimpse of it through included SAMPLE.DLL. The best part of it is, as you guessed, its price which we think is very reasonable. Please refer to Pricing and Ordering Information for a detail. If you are happy with this version and found everything you need, you don't have to do anything. Just keep using FontIcon, no string attached. But if you could use a little more (or a lot more), you should seriously consider ordering FontIcon registered version. We believe that your minor pocket-book damage will be well compensated. 7. Pricing and Ordering Information ------------------------------------ If you wish to purchase copy(ies) of FontIcon, refer to the pricing schedule below. Exact amount of payment in US fund should be remitted to Icon Crafters. We can not accept credit card payment. Desired diskette size should be also specified (3.5" or 5.25" High Density). If the size is not mentioned, we will assume 3.5". Multiple license in single diskette is available at reduced rate. For other information, please contact Icon Crafters. 1st copy: $7 + $5 S/H = $12 2nd copy: $5 + $4 S/H = $9 3rd copy and up: $5 + $3 S/H = $8 each 11th copy and up: $4 + $3 S/H = $7 each Multiple license in single diskette - 5 licenses minimum $4 per license + $5 S/H Additional diskette: $3 each For non-US orders, please add $12 per each order. Please submit a legible shipping address for a prompt service. If you already own FontIcon and want to add more copies, please send your serial number(s) for appropriate discount. For an example, if you own 2 copies of FontIcon and want to purchase 1, it will be considered as a 3rd copy. 8. (No Nonsense) Distribution Policy ------------------------------------- A. You may =========== 1. Use, copy and distribute the Software freely in its original form (10 files, complete and untouched). 2. Extract individual icons from FontIcon (TM) DLL file(s) and name them however you want as long as YOU are using them. 3. Modify extracted icons as long as YOU are using them. B. You may NOT =============== 1. Distribute FontIcon (TM) with any file(s) modified or missing. 2. Modify FontIcon (TM) DLL file(s) or re-compile modified icons. 3. Modify FontIcon (TM) logo icon. 4. Modify README.TXT file (this file). 5. Use FontIcon (TM) or any portion of it in other products for public distribution or commercial use without written permission. 9. (Very) Limited Warranty (or lack of it) ------------------------------------------- The software and manual are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Furthermore, Icon Crafters shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever. In no event, Icon Crafters will be liable for any damages or claim by any other party. We reserve the right to do the absolute minimum provided by law, up to and including nothing. 10. How to contact Icon Crafters -------------------------------- BY MAIL. The address is listed at the beginning of this manual. Besides orders, we accept and appreciate any suggestions, ideas, comments or requests regarding FontIcon (TM) or its possible future upgrade. 11. We thank YOU for supporting FontIcon ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- END ----------------------------------