FAQ: Using Cree Syllabics Across Operating Systems
Q: Which Cree fonts should I use?
This depends on the computer and operating system you are using. The best choice is Unicode, but not
everyone has equipment and software that will support Unicode. The following chart should help you decide.
| Computer | Operating System | Application Software | Cree Font | Entry Method (Keyboard) | “Package” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel/AMD PC/IBM | Windows 2000-XP, Vista , Windows 7 | Unicode compliant application
etc. Word, Netscape Navigator, Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer 6 & Higher, Outlook Express 6 & Higher, Safari, Toolbox |
BJCree UNI (Unicode) | Keyman 5.0 and BJCreeUNI (east) | CreeKeysPRO 3 Standard (see note 1) |
| Macintosh | OS X (10.2) & Higher | Unicode compliant application
etc. TextEdit, Mail, Create, OmniWeb, (see note 1) |
BJCree UNI (Unicode) | XML Keyboard Definition File (see note 1) | McCree3 East (see note 2) |
| Intel/AMD PC/IBM | Windows 2000-XP | Non-Unicode compliant application
etc. Shoebox and other 8-bit programs (note 4) |
BJECree (8-bit) | Keyman 5.0 and BJCree (east) or Creebrd | CreeKeysPRO3 Full (see note 1) |
| Macintosh | OS 8 or 9 | Non-Unicode compliant application
etc. MS Word, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer |
East Cree BJMac (8-bit) | SILKey and Cree McANSI1 | McCree2 |
| Intel/AMD PC/IBM | Windows 95-98 | Non-Unicode compliant application
etc. MS Word, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Shoebox, Paratext, and other 8-bit programs |
BJECree (8-bit) | Keyman 5.0 and BJCree (east) or Creebrd | CreeKeysPRO3 Full (see note 1) |
| Intel/AMD PC/IBM | Windows 3.1 | Non-Unicode compliant application
etc. MS Word, Shoebox, Paratext, other 8-bit programs |
BJECree (8-bit) | Keyman 3.2 and BJCree (east) or Creebrd | CreeKeys (see note 3) |
Notes:
1. If you have Windows 2000 or XP and Word 97, 2000 or XP or Vista you have the maximum flexibility. For Legacy 8-bit
programs like Toolbox (formerly:Shoebox), Paratext and other text processing software, you can use the 8-bit BJECree font and keyboard.
For Word, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and other Unicode-aware applications, you can use the Unicode
BJCree UNI font and keyboard. CreeKeysPRO comes with utilities that run with Microsoft Word to convert texts
between the 8-bit and the Unicode encoding.
2. As of this writing, there is good news developing for users who need an input method for syllabics on Mac OS X:
Mac OS X 10.2 adds the ability to install a new keyboard layout by putting a file or bundle in a standard folder. It is
also now possible to define a Unicode keyboard via an XML text file. We have explored this capability successfully this is now our recommended method of keyboarding syllabics on a Mac.
If you must use an older Mac and you need to input Cree syllabics, you can install McCree2. It is also possible to
convert Cree texts in order to view these texts on Mac OS X. This would be the preferred encoding for archiving and
Internet use in any case. Mac OS X can use BJCree UNI and other Unicode syllabic fonts natively: The same
TrueType Unicode font file that is used on Windows PCs can also be used on Mac OS X, and (once we figure out how)
Mac OS X 10.2 “Jaguar” will allow you to keyboard directly into Cree syllabics in Unicode.
3. There is no CreeKeys “package” for Windows 3.1. Instead, you have to install and configure Keyman 3.2, the font
files, the keyboard layout, and the shortcuts “by hand”. There are detailed instructions, but it is not for beginning
computer users. Maybe you can get someone to install it for you. Once it is installed, using the font/keyboard is easy.
4. Worthwhile linguistics software applications are either being re-written to support Unicode, or new applications with
similar capablities are being developed that are Unicode compliant. Notable examples are Paratext 6, a Unicode
compliant version of Paratext, and Toolbox 6, a Unicode version of Shoebox, the popular text analysis and
lexicography program.
Q: How do I install Cree fonts and keyboards to use in my computer?
Each “Package” comes with its own set of instructions. To install CreeKeysPRO3, you
download the package file from the Cree Fonts page into your computer and double-click on it. Then just
read all the screens and click Next… Next… …Finish… until it is done (watch instructional video from the video section). Then run the program by clicking on
Start – Programs – Tavultesoft – Keyman. Note that in Windows 2000, XP and Vista you need to be logged on with
“Administrator privileges” to install programs and fonts anyway. For best results, read the instructions
included in the package in a file named CREEKEYS.DOC
To install CreeKeys (for Windows 3.1) it’s a little more involved. When you receive the package, find
the file named CREEKEY.DOC and print it out. Follow all the steps carefully, or get a 14-year-old to do it for you.
To install McCree (for Macintosh OS 8 or 9) it’s a little more involved. When you receive the package,
find the file named MCREE2.DOC and print it out. Follow all the steps carefully, or get a 14-year-old to do
it for you.
