Suitcase

A suitcase is a type of container file that is used to store certain resource fork items within classic Mac OS when they're not installed in the System file, principally fonts and desktop accessories.
==History==
Suitcase files were originally introduced in classic Mac OS for the storage, transfer, and installation of fonts and desk accessories between Macintosh systems. This was necessitated by the fact that system elements, such as fonts and desk accessories, were not in and of themselves files, but rather "resources" that had to be installed directly into the System file (the contents of which were not directly manipulable at that time). It also permitted multiple fonts or font point sizes to be stored within a single file rather than spread out over multiple. It was also possible to store multiple DA's in a similar manner. Thus follows the metaphor of "carrying" such resources within a "suitcase".
In order to install the stored resource(s) within a suitcase file into a System file, users can utilize Apple's Font/DA Mover, a simple utility that allows the transfer of resources between the resource forks of a System file and a suitcase file (within Macintosh system software versions 1 through 6). It is also possible to accomplish this task through the use of ResEdit or another resource editor, but this is a much riskier endeavor if performed by an inexperienced user.
Apple sound resources ("snd"), as well as so-called "FKEYs", can also be stored in files similar to suitcases, but can only be installed to the user's System file using ResEdit, or otherwise through the use of third-party software such as Riccardo Ettore's "Sound Mover" or Carlos Weber's "FKey Manager", respectively. Other third-party software programs available for the handling of suitcases of all kinds include "Suitcase" and "Suitcase II" from Fifth Generation Systems (later Symantec, then Extensis), as well as Alsoft's "MasterJuggler".
It is not normally possible to create an "empty" suitcase, and in general it is not necessary to do so. However, it is possible to generate one manually by modifying an already extant suitcase file, or through the use of third-party software, mentioned above.
===System 7===
In System 7, the behavior of suitcase files was changed. Suitcases could now be opened directly within the Finder in a manner resembling that of opening a folder, with the resource(s) displayed within a window as an icon(s). Along with this, the System file itself also took on the appearance and behavior of a suitcase file within System 7, making it more easily modifiable by the user. Between these changes, and the fact that DAs no longer required installation into the System file at all in order to be used, Font/DA Mover was rendered functionally obsolete. In addition to fonts, the System file could now also easily accept other resource types, such as FKEYs and sounds, as well as keyboard layouts. TrueType fonts could also be added to the System file, though Adobe Type 1 fonts were not yet directly supported.
===System 7.1 to Mac OS 9===
Beginning with System 7.1, font management was further refined through the addition of the Fonts folder, which could accept suitcases of both bitmap and TrueType fonts, as well as Type 1 font files. This allowed the actual System file to be slimmed considerably in overall size, reducing system overhead for users with large numbers of installed fonts.
===Mac OS X===
Starting with Mac OS X, which was derived from NeXTSTEP, system resources are stored in a System folder instead of a suitcase file. Additional resources are stored in the Library folder.
*Desk accessories are no longer supported (outside of the Classic environment).
*Font suitcases must be installed through Font Book to be recognized by Mac OS X.
==External links==
*How do I open a font suitcase by M Rocchio at Apple Communities (2006-09-26)
*Using Fonts by Ray White at The White Files
* at Wikipedia
Category:Classic Mac OS
Category:Terms