HelveticaFractions (hereafter "HvF") allows easy use of fractions within your documents.
If you wish to use the fraction 1/2 in your document, and want it to look like a fraction (a small numerator over a horizontal slash over a small denominator), and want to type such a fraction with a single keystroke, this is the font for you.
All single digit reduced fractions are available. The arrangement of the fractions is made as sensible as possible. Let's take a look at fractions with "5" as the denominator:
Typing "5" yields 1/5.
"Shift-5" yields 2/5.
"Option-5" yields 3/5.
"Option-shift-5" yields 4/5.
Other denominators follow similar patterns. For sevenths and ninths the S and N keys are also used ("s" yielding 5/7, "S" yielding 6/7, etc.). Non-reduced fractions (like 2/6 or 3/6) are not included.
Since fractions with "0" as denominator are alleged to be incompatible with certain compilers and page layout systems, the zero key is used for fractions with "0" as numerator.
You can use HvF in combination with any LaserWriter font, but spacing and style of the font is optimized for use with the Helvetica font.
INSTALLING HELVETICAFRACTIONS
To install HelveticaFractions, you need to drop the file "HelveFra" into your system folder. Changing the name of the font will kill it. Don't do that.
Next, use Apple Computer's Font/DA Mover (version 3.2 or later) to install the screen versions of HvF into your system file in the usual manner (these screen fonts are in the file "HelveticaFractions.bmap"). Twelve, 24 and 48 point screen fonts are provided, but you may choose not to install all sizes. The font will print nicely at any size, whether or not a screen font is available for that size. [There are alternatives to directly installing fonts into your system file. I like Steve Brecher's "Suitcase", and HvF works nicely in a "Suitcase Environment"].
You may then use HvF as you would any other font from within your applications.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HvF has a font family ID of 135. This ID number may be changed if needed to remove font ID conflicts. The name of the font should not be changed (bad things happen if you do this).
HvF is a "composite font". It looks for the Helvetica font in your LaserWriter's ROMs, learns from it, and then fiddles around (scaling, rearranging, etc.) to make a brand new font. HvF will not work if your printer does not contain Helvetica (or else will print as a real mess).
Some programs and versions of system software have been alleged to disagree with composite fonts. Placing a character of Helvetica (like a space) near the top of the page is alleged to make everything go well.
HvF was made with Fontographer and Fontastic Plus, products of Altsys Corporation.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The twelve point version of HvF really pushes the limits of resolution of the LaserWriter. I wouldn't print any smaller than 12 point, unless you have access to a very high resolution printer and a magnifying glass. You can experiment with different stylings of HvF, but some don't come out particularly well (bold looks bad; shadow can be nice).
COPYRIGHT AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
HelveticaFractions is copyright 1987 by Bradley Poulson. All rights reserved.
This font is "shareware", a method of distributing copyrighted works. It is not public domain.
HelveticaFractions works fine on my computer system. It may not on yours. No warrantees are implied, and HvF may not be suitable for any of your purposes.
As author of the font, I choose to place limits on its distribution. But as I'm a generous person, these limits are quite fair (I can even be flexible).
The possessor of HvF is granted permission to use the font on a single printer for a period of one month. At the end of the month, the possessor must either register as a purchaser of the font (as discussed below), or must cease using the font.
Possessors of HvF may provide copies of this font, along with all related files, to any user willing to accept the terms of this agreement. This font may be distributed either by floppy disk (or similar magnetic medium) or by electronic means (such as via modem). HvF may not be sold. Fees can be charged in association with HvF, however, such as by users' groups for duplicating fees, commercial services for downloading time, etc.
If a user chooses to keep and use HvF for more than one month, a fee of $10 for the font is due me (at the address below). This fee entitles the registrant to use HvF as he or she sees fit, so long as it is not used on more than one printer at any given time. This registration fee can be waived if HvF is simply maintained on a disk (or other medium) for archival or redistribution purposes (i.e., a users' group librarian doesn't necessarily have to pay the fee, nor would a telecommunication service such as CompuServe).
If you're interested in tremendous bargain, you can choose to pay a $20 fee. In return you become a "Brad's Fonts Multiply Registered Individual". As a BFMRI, you will receive from me at least two floppy disks (800K) with latest versions of a number of my fonts, with licenses to use all of these fonts. Some of my fonts are Neshota (sometimes acclaimed as "the best ever font for the Apple ImageWriter, bar none"), Madison (an all capitals font), Agua Mundo (a relaxed, fun font), ChicagoSymbols (a LaserWriter font with some handy symbols (boxes, the command/squiggle symbol, etc.)), and whatever else I have at hand (like maybe a nifty LaserWriter font of Nordic runes (if I ever get the screen font done...)).
Any questions or payments (U.S. checks or equivalent only, please) can be directed to me at the address below. I'm also fairly readily available on CompuServe, ID 76074,1655. When registering, please include your name and address, and please tell me where you obtained HvF. Thanks!
