November 19, 2001 You've chosen to download a freeware font I created called "US Flag," and I hope you find it useful. I also hope you intend to use it in a respectful manner. WHY I CREATED THIS FONT I created the font, in part, because I needed it for a project, but also because I noticed other vendors were selling similar flag fonts in an attempt to capitalize on recent events (I mean, c'mawn...). Some are offering fonts for sale and donating the proceeds to charity, and I whole- heartedly support their efforts, but to those whose aim is to profit from the recent surge in patriotism and renewal of American pride and spirit, well, I guess I have a problem with that. The image, as well as the spirit, of the American flag is Free and always will be. It belongs to everyone, and anyone who wants to display it can, and should, without concern for trademarks, copyrights, digital rights, etc. The best way I could practice what I preach was to design a font based on the American flag and give it away to anyone who wants it. It's a small act. And I don't say that out of modesty. It really is (which is another reason I have a problem charging money for it). Anyone with a decent illustration program and knowledge of the flag's dimensions and layout could create the artwork in under an hour. To import the artwork into a font editing program (I used FontLab 3.1) and clean it up takes a little more time and effort. I'll post an article on the FontSite.com detailing exactly how to do it (it may already be up by the time you read this). USING THE FONT There are three flag characters and two US images located on the A through E characters (upper and lowercase). The flags located on the A, B and C keys are single characters and thus can only be a single color, which is fine for, say, black and white output to a laser printer. But as everyone knows, the US flag is red, white and blue. How do you create a flag using its true colors? I'm glad you asked. Along the 1 through 6 keys you'll find the flag broken into parts. Type the 1 key followed by the 2 key to create a standard flag. Type the 3 key followed by the 4 key to create a wavy flag. Type the 5 key then the 6 key to create another wavy flag (the direction of the wave is different). The 1+2, 3+4 and 5+6 combinations always go together. Typing 1+4 would not work (well, you could do it, but it wouldn't look right). So as you can see, using these characters you could create a red, white and blue flag. Set the font color to blue and type the first character of the flag (i.e., the 1, 3 or 5 keys). You'll see white stars on a blue field (assuming your back- ground is white). Now set the font color to red and type the second character. You'll see red and white stripes. Voila! You now have a red, white and blue US flag. PERMISSION Please feel free to distribute this font as you see fit, but please also distribute this ReadMe file along with it (I'm not above wanting to make my opinions known). If you have any problems using or installing the font -- or any other questions or comments -- feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks again, Sean Cavanaugh The FontSite www.fontsite.com PS: I created this font on the 27th anniversary of my father's death. My old man was an English teacher who died on November 19, 1974. He was also a corporal in the 1st 4.5" Rocket Battery, 1st Marine Division, and a combat veteran of the Korean War. RIP, RFC. Semper Fi