Information for Joinit and Cursive Writing users
When we started back in 2009 we wanted to help schools and parents to create a joined up style of handwriting on their computers. One way to do this which we considered was using OpenType fonts with built in rules to control the joins. Unfortunately many school computer systems at the time did not support OpenType fonts, so a different method was needed.
To get around this we created the Joinit toolbar which enabled joined handwriting style text to be created in Microsoft Word. It only worked in Word, and could only join text all in one go. It would not join as you typed.
Happily, most computers used in schools now can handle OpenType fonts, so we have created Linkpen fonts to replace the old Joinit system.
Benefits of Linkpen over the old Joinit toolbar system:
- Linkpen fonts will join in Microsoft Word, but also many other applications.
- Linkpen fonts join as you type
- Linkpen fonts have been redesigned to be smoother and neater than Joinit
- Linkpen fonts are easy to install and use, as they are just fonts with no need for any "helper" programs or templates
We will continue to support the Joinit product for existing users for as long it is usable in Microsoft Word.
The easiest way to find your new Linkpen letter style is by filtering using letter shapes - click Browse our Letter Styles and tick the shapes that you would like.
If you would like to upgrade from an existing Joinit pack to Linkpen, here is a list of replacements for the most popular Joinit styles to make it easier to find the one you need:
Old Joinit Pack | New Linkpen Equivalent |
---|---|
Cursive 1/JoinitC1 | Linkpen 2b |
Cursive 2/JoinitC2 | Linkpen 15b |
Cursive 4/JoinitC4 | Linkpen 3b |
Cursive 5/JoinitC5 | Linkpen 11b |
Cursive 6/JoinitC6 | Linkpen 4b |
Cursive 8/JoinitC8 | Linkpen 20b |
Cursive 10/JoinitC10 | Linkpen 10b |
Cursive 11/JoinitC11 | Linkpen 18b |
Cursive 14/JoinitC14 | Linkpen 8b |
Cursive 15/JoinitC15 | Linkpen 7b |
Cursive 15/JoinitC15 | Linkpen 7b |
Cursive 19/JoinitC19 | Linkpen 27b |
Cursive 22/JoinitC22 | Linkpen 5b |
Cursive 23/JoinitC23 | Linkpen 9b |
Debbie Hepplewhite font pack | Debbie Hepplewhite Linkpen |
Loopy 3/JoinitL3 | Linkpen 6b |
Precursive 1/JoinitPC1 | Linkpen 1a |
Precursive 4/JoinitPC4 | Linkpen 17a |
Precursive 6/JoinitPC6 | Linkpen 4a |
Precursive 13/JoinitPC13 | Linkpen 5a |
Precursive 35/JoinitPC35 | Linkpen 3a |
Precursive 44/JoinitPC44 | Linkpen 2a |
Precursive 51/JoinitPC51 | Linkpen 10a |
Precursive 55/JoinitPC55 | Linkpen 7a |