Illustrator: noting fonts before creating outlines

Question

Is there a way to keep a 'virtual notebook' of a file so I can remember which fonts I used after I've created outlines? I really like fonts and have far too many, so it's hard to remember which one I used.

Answer 1

You could use this following script to add a note in the Attribute > notes after outlining. The procedure is that this script creates the outlines for you, so in order to create the outlines you've got to use this script & not manual shortcuts, etc.

#target illustrator
function test(){
  var doc = app.activeDocument;
  var sel = doc.selection[0];
  var textFontName = sel.characters[0].characterAttributes.textFont.name;
  var newGroup = sel.createOutline();
  newGroup.note = textFontName;
}
test();

The important parts are to have a document open and to have a selection that is text (the live kind), before running the script. Also, it takes the font name from the very first character on the assumption that all of your text is the same font. If you have different fonts, it'll take some more work and will depend on your particular requirements.

Answer 2

I have also wondered about this while making proposals for logos, trying out different fonts then converting to outlines so I can play with the object box better or adjust the lettering.

What I do is actually make notes outside the artboard so I always know which version was set in which typeface. These are just drafts ofcourse and I will also keep editable versions on the other side of the artboard, so if the client requires other edits I can easily go back to the non-converted text.

When the client approves the work and commits to purchase the selected typefaces, I will usually clean up all the in-between versions and just keep a single AI file with both converted and editable name, or in many cases just the converted version.

Answer 3

I don't think there is. I would just duplicate the text, hide the layer that isn't outlined.

Answer 4

Have a hidden layer or many of them with all kind of markings and explanations, as rich as it is needed to be able to recall the used tricks and ingredients.

Note: essentially this is the same as user Lucian already has suggested.