The operating system that runs on every computer comes with basic support for managing fonts. The functions that are available are sufficient for users who don’t have an extensive library of fonts and don’t need to add or remove fonts on a regular basis. For all other users, there are font managers. These are separate applications that provide more features than the operating system itself, including:

• the ability to organize large libraries of fonts
• activate or deactivate fonts or groups of fonts, either manually or automatically
• print font samples in a wide variety of ways
• warn about corrupted or damaged fonts

Font managers for Macintosh

• Alsoft MasterJuggler
• Extensis Suitcase Fusion
• Insider Software FontAgent Pro
• Linotype Linotype Font Explorer X - a freebie!

Font Managers for Windows

• ApoliSoft Font Fitting Room
• Black Sun Software X-Fonter
• Extensis Suitcase for Window & FontReserve
  
• OT1 Font Manager by J M Berthier
• High-logic MainType
• Linotype Font Explorer X for Windows - at the moment of writing still in beta
• Lose Your Mind Software Printer’s Apprentice
• Insider software FontAgent Pro
• Neuber Software Typograf
• Proxima Software FontExpert

Comparing different font managers

There are some excellent reviews on the web that compare various font managers.

• For all platforms: Creativepro font manager face-off (September 2007)
• For Mac OS X:Ars technica review (December 2006) or the Designtalkboard review (March 2006)
• For Windows: Typoblography overview (October 2007)