Web-To-Print
»Web-To-Print« has created new challenges for the manufacturer of typefaces. In its December edition, the trade magazine »Page« introduces new concepts which will force type manufacturers to meet the conditions of a changed marketplace.
Starting in the 1980’s users of the so-called »Desktop Publishing« were able to create printed matter with software, images and type on their own PCs. Now, it will be possible to offer software, images and type directly on a web server. It all began with the »Books-On-Demand« capabilities with the help of which, among other applications, short print runs of books can be produced with digital printing techniques. The author sends his texts or pdf-files to a web server, while retaining complete control over the design process.
Internet Web-To-Print-solutions make it possible for the user to individualize templates for such items as calendars, business cards, coffee cups, photo albums, private and commercial printed matter, T-shirts and advertisements on-line. For such usage, the software, graphics and fonts exist on the web-site of the provider and can be used by any number of customers. Simple license agreements for the software do no longer suffice for the owner of the portal. In order to guarantee legal security for the use of typefaces, type providers develop individualized license solution for each case.
Elsner+Flake, for instance, offers several font packages via FontShop Berlin under the heading »Fonts2Web« which have been customized to meet the requirements of the Web-2-Print provider and also counsels Web-2-Print providers on the selection of appropriate typefaces. Fonts from Elsner+Flake are also used in the »Mailingfactory« in the »Schreibcenter« (writing center) of the German postal service. The »Mailingfactory« can create printed matter such as bulk mailings, menus and invitations for the professional user. The »Schreibcenter« is better suited to meet the needs of the private user. »Optimalprint«, another portal for the creation of commercial and private printings, and to whom Elsner+Flake has licensed a number of fonts, already provides this service in twelve European countries.
Starting in the 1980’s users of the so-called »Desktop Publishing« were able to create printed matter with software, images and type on their own PCs. Now, it will be possible to offer software, images and type directly on a web server. It all began with the »Books-On-Demand« capabilities with the help of which, among other applications, short print runs of books can be produced with digital printing techniques. The author sends his texts or pdf-files to a web server, while retaining complete control over the design process.
Internet Web-To-Print-solutions make it possible for the user to individualize templates for such items as calendars, business cards, coffee cups, photo albums, private and commercial printed matter, T-shirts and advertisements on-line. For such usage, the software, graphics and fonts exist on the web-site of the provider and can be used by any number of customers. Simple license agreements for the software do no longer suffice for the owner of the portal. In order to guarantee legal security for the use of typefaces, type providers develop individualized license solution for each case.
Elsner+Flake, for instance, offers several font packages via FontShop Berlin under the heading »Fonts2Web« which have been customized to meet the requirements of the Web-2-Print provider and also counsels Web-2-Print providers on the selection of appropriate typefaces. Fonts from Elsner+Flake are also used in the »Mailingfactory« in the »Schreibcenter« (writing center) of the German postal service. The »Mailingfactory« can create printed matter such as bulk mailings, menus and invitations for the professional user. The »Schreibcenter« is better suited to meet the needs of the private user. »Optimalprint«, another portal for the creation of commercial and private printings, and to whom Elsner+Flake has licensed a number of fonts, already provides this service in twelve European countries.
