Monotype Imaging has unveiled version 2.5 of its Linotype FontExplorer X Pro font management software for individual users, and version 1.5 of the FontExplorer X Server program for workgroup administrators.
FontExplorer X Pro 2.5
FontExplorer X Pro, which received a 2009 Macworld Editors’ Choice Award for its 2.0 version, now includes expanded capabilities. A new print function lets users create font sample books without having to activate fonts in a separate application. This allows users to drag and drop individual elements into a print preview mode, which can also be pre-configured through a set of options. Alternatively, users can choose from a menu of available templates when creating font sample books.
Version 2.5 also features the ability to classify fonts. For example, users can choose to sort fonts and create smart sets with keywords such as “serif,” “cover sheet” or other user-defined words or phrases. This feature also facilitates automatic downloads of available font classification information from Linotype.
The main window of FontExplorer X Pro has been redesigned and includes new features, such as a wide mode, which lets users take advantage of widescreen monitors. The main window can also be set to a transparency mode, letting users overlay fonts directly on documents.
FontExplorer X Server 1.5
Designed for workgroups, FontExplorer X Server 1.5 launches with a lockdown feature that allows administrators to limit certain functions of connected FontExplorer X Pro client users. Features include the ability to hide Linotype’s integrated font store and the workgroup’s local library from view, as well as prevent font imports at specified client workstations.
Administrators can also define fonts for automatic installation and activation on selected clients. Also new in this version is a server replication feature, which lets larger installations distribute the workload across multiple servers.
Backup functions have also been enhanced in this new version. Administrators may now assign without restriction the time of day and locations relating to when backups are conducted. And, the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) connection has been revised to allow administrators to authenticate users directly from the LDAP server via a domain password. In addition, the interface that controls system settings has been redesigned to boost clarity and handling.
Availability and pricing
The new versions run on Mac OS X 10.4 or later and are available in English and German. Single user licenses of FontExplorer X Pro 2.5 are available for download for $79. A 30-day trial version of FontExplorer X Pro is also available for download for new customers. Pricing for FontExplorer X Server 1.5 starts at $1,599 for a server license that includes 10 FontExplorer X Pro client licenses. Existing FontExplorer X Pro and Server users will receive updates free of charge through the software update function.