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.