🚀 go-pugleaf

      Platform mix because the layouts are Mac already and all the text comes
      from Win for years. Does this mean we can not do it this way just because
      of font compatibility issues?




You can run a mixed-platform workflow with ID/IC, most of the clients I've worked with have this same set-up.

The font parity issue comes down to IC users being able to copyfit their text to fit the text frames exactly, one of the key features of the IC/ID workflow. If they're using temporarily substituted fonts (either machine-generated by ID, or via an automatic "swap" like you're asking about), then the line endings and copyfitting info -- "3 lines over," "1 line under" etc. -- are guesstimates while they're working with the file in IC.

So you need to decide how important that issue is to you. I can tell you from direct experience, though, that editors will tend to sweat bullets over getting the text to fit the space and won't be happy if it ends up over/under when the file is re-opened in ID and the "real" fonts are used. ;-)

I wouldn't bother with doing any font swapping. If the PC users are missing fonts when they open an ID layout, they get the same warning ID users get about it, the same "dreaded pink" highlighting of substituted fonts (which can be disabled in Prefs), and can edit the copy nonetheless, just like in ID. It's just the line ending/copyfitting issue that remains.

Also note that the PC users really only need the fonts used in the stories they're editing. They don't need every last display headline font or page folio font. Those elements may look weird or show incorrect copyfitting when opened in IC, but if they don't need to edit them, it's not crucial.

You may consider converting some of your Mac-based Type 1 fonts to OpenType so that both editors and designers can use the same exact file. You can do this with TransType Pro, a utility sold by FontLab (www.fontlab.com). I have a few IC/ID clients who've found it works fine. You do need to check the font company's EULA though ... for Adobe fonts, you can use converted fonts of theirs but you can't exceed the total # of seats you originally licensed the Type 1 font for.

I wrote about TransType Pro and the legalities in an issue of DesignGeek a few months ago:
 <http://www.senecadesign.com/designgeek/dgarchives/designgeek39.php>
(Click the story link, "DIY OpenType Conversions"

AM