Abstract: Systems and methods for activating and/or managing fonts allow users to selectively activate individual fonts from inside a multi-font suitcase by separating the individual fonts from a multi-font suitcase file. The separated font may then be saved in a font management “vault” or file that activates only the fonts desired and selected by the user. In this manner, individual fonts can be activated from a font suitcase file without requiring that the entire suitcase's set of fonts be activated and/or added to the font management vault. Users may designate and select different fonts, including different fonts from different foundries (and included in different multi-font suitcases) for a single electronic document (e.g., different fonts for different typeface types, etc.) or use in an application program. These features provide repeatability and predictability in electronic document rendering processes.

Abstract: A font archive includes encrypted font data and metadata. The metadata may include a variety of information associated with the font data, such as customer-specific information for a customer that has purchased a license to use the font data. The metadata may include license information associated with the font data, such as license terms under which the font data may be previewed or used. Still further, the metadata may include preview information that allows the font to be previewed without obtaining a license to the font. The font data typically can only be decrypted for activation by an authorized font archive handler application. The font archive handler application then controls the use of the decrypted font data to ensure that it complies with the license information contained in the metadata.