1. Computing & Technology

Discuss in my forum

Identify Fonts Using WhatTheFont for iPhone

By , About.com Guide

1 of 7

Bitstream's MyFonts.com: WhatTheFont for iPhone
WhatTheFont Screenshot by J. Bear

Opening screen allows you to choose a photo already on your phone or take a picture with the iPhone camera.

WhatTheFont Screenshot by J. Bear
Bitstream's MyFonts.com site is a resource for finding fonts, trying out fonts, and buying from a huge collection of fonts. It is also an excellent tool for identifying fonts using WhatTheFont. And if you have an iPhone, you can download the free WhatTheFont iPhone app for on-the-go font identification even when you aren't near a computer.

The basic operation of both the Web and iPhone versions of WhatTheFont involves uploading an image containing an unknown font sample and having it spit out a list of possible matches based on the sample. If the font in your image is part of the MyFonts.com database, then you've saved yourself many hours of poring through font specimen books or scrolling through page after page of fonts on various font sites.

However, even fonts that WhatTheFont knows may be difficult to identify if the image isn't clear enough. In my Identify Fonts With WhatTheFont tutorial you'll find tips for increasing your chances at finding an exact or a close match when using WhatTheFont.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how easy it is to use the WhatTheFont iPhone app. First, of course, you'll need an iPhone and the free WhatTheFont iPhone app.

When you start the app you're given a choice of choosing a photo that's already on your iPhone or taking a new picture.

Tap the small i (info) in the lower right corner for some tips on getting the best results and a sample of a good image to use.

Note. Special thanks to About.com Graphics Software Guide Sue Chastain for How to Capture a Screen Shot on iPhone or iPod Touch.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.