Apple LiveType 2 - Manual (Page 59)

Chapter 5 Working With Text 59
To change the font of an existing text track:
1 Select the text track.
2 Choose a font from the LiveFonts or Fonts tab of the Media Browser.
3 Do one of the following:
 Click the Apply button.
 Double-click the font name.
Note: The Apply option does not cross genres of track content. That is, you cannot
apply a texture or object to a track that already has text on it. Likewise, you cannot
apply a font to a track that contains a texture, object, image, or movie.
Multiple lines of text can exist on a single track. This enables you to create a long text
element governed by one set of parameters. If you’re designing credits, for example,
you can generate the copy in another program, cut and paste it into the text-entry box,
and apply the font and attributes along with a scrolling effect.
LiveFonts vs. System Fonts
The two kinds of fonts available in LiveType are very different. LiveFonts have more
“life” to them, because they are fully designed animations. System fonts, on the other
hand, are more like blank slates you can modify to achieve a wide range of
appearances. Both kinds of fonts can be transformed using all the parameters
described in this chapter, but keep in mind that some parameters will not make
much visual sense when applied to LiveFonts.
Note: The Use LiveFont Defaults button in the Text tab of the Inspector restores the
original attributes of LiveFonts, objects, and textures, including timing, color, and
other characteristics. This can be a valuable way to revert to the original design of
these LiveType elements when you’re experimenting with different formatting
combinations.
LiveFonts and system fonts also have several practical differences in LiveType:
 You can apply two or more system fonts to the same track, while only one LiveFont
can be applied to a track.
 LiveFonts are digital movies, and therefore have timing options you can control
through the Timing tab of the Inspector. See “ Adjusting the Timing of LiveFonts ” on
page 60.
 System fonts are always vector-based, while LiveFonts can either be raster-based or
vector-based. So it is possible to use LiveFonts at such a large size (in excess of 500
point) that the edges begin to degrade.
 LiveFonts have a much greater impact on previewing and rendering time.