Choosing a typeface

A typeface is a set of characters-- letters, numbers, or symbols--that share a common weight, width, and style. When you select a font, you can select the font family and its type style independently. The font family is a collection of fonts sharing an overall typeface design; for example, Times. A type style is a variant version of an individual font in the font family, for example, Regular, Bold, or Italic. The range of available type styles varies with each font. If a font doesn't include the style you want, you can apply faux (fake) versions of bold and italic.

Note: A faux font is a computer-generated version of a font that approximates an alternative typeface design, used only if no corresponding font for a given faux treatment is available.

To choose a font family and style:

1 If you're working with an existing layer, select one or more characters whose font you want to change. To change the font of all characters in a layer, select the type layer in the Layers palette, and then select a type tool.

2 In the options bar, choose a font family from the Font Family pop-up menu.

You can choose a font family and style by typing the desired name in the text box. As you type, the name of the first font or style beginning with that letter appears. Continue typing until the correct font or style name appears. Be sure to deselect the font name before entering new type in the image.

3 Do one of the following:

Using Type > Formatting characters > Choosing a typeface