Tools For Math and Science Teachers
FAQs
Click on a question below, or scroll down.
Just Us Fonts & More
1530 Sun City Blvd Suite 120-474
Georgetown, TX  78633
888-511-1201

Contact Us

PRODUCTS
OTHER LINKS
Updated
9-12-16
What is a font?
   Simply stated, a font is a set of characters associated with the keys on a computer keyboard.  In most fonts, a=a, b=b, etc, though styles will vary from font to font.  With our fonts, each key on the keyboard is associated with some type of symbol (similar to Wingdings©).  For instance, in clock font, when you press the "a" key, a blank clock face will appear.

Which programs will the fonts work with?
    Our fonts will work with virtually any program that allows you to choose a font, including all Microsoft Office© products, interactive whiteboard software, and Adobe© products.

What grade levels are your fonts designed for?
    Not ALL fonts are appropriate for every grade level, but every grade level can find something useful in our fonts packages.

How many fonts are in each package?
    1, 2, 3 Math Fonts (v4) contains 43 font sets, and 1, 2, 3 Science Fonts (v3) contains 33 font sets.  Most font sets contain 40 or more images.

How do I get started?
    Once the fonts are installed, open any program that allows you to choose a font (i.e. Word, Excel).  Choose one of our fonts.  They all start with 123, and are grouped together at the top of your font list.  Set the size and start typing!  The User Manuals contain a keystroke-for-keystroke guide to every font so that you do not have to guess (though many fonts move from smaller values on the left side of the keyboard to larger values on the right side).  For 1, 2, 3 Math Fonts, you can also visit our User Files page, which contains documents created by other teachers using the fonts.  They are free to use as-is, or edit.  A great way to get started!

I emailed a document I created using 1, 2, 3 Math Fonts (or 1, 2, 3 Science Fonts) to a friend, but they are not able to view it correctly. Why?
    In order to view a document created with any particular font, that font must be installed on the computer the viewer is using.  If it is not installed, your computer will usually use the font that is alphabetically close to it.  Therefore, a document viewed on a computer that does not contain 1, 2, 3 Math Fonts or 1, 2, 3 Science Fonts will appear as gibberish.  This can be worked around by taking a screenshot of your document, or by converting it into a PDF file.  Documents CAN be freely shared between computers that have our fonts installed.

I have set the font size as high as my drop-down menu allows, but the images are still too small.  How can I make them larger?
    Most drop-down menus only go as high as size 72.  You can make the size larger by highlighting the size and typing in a new, higher size.

I lost/I cannot find the User Manual.  Where can I get it?
    The current and previous version User Manuals can be found here: 123MathFontsManual or 123ScienceFontsManual

How can I have better control of the layout of my document?
    Text boxes are a great way to manipulate the design of your document. They are a little more work upfront if you are not familiar with them, but once you are used to them, they can your best friend!  Look in the Help menu of the program you are using for details.

I have an idea for a new font.  Can you make it for me?
    Possibly… Our math product grew from just a dozen fonts to 43 fonts, mostly due to suggestions from teachers! If your idea will benefit teachers, we will make the attempt. 

Purchasing

How can I purchase?
    Purchases can be made online by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button.  You can also make your purchase by downloading the Order Form and mailing or faxing it to us.

I own a previous version of 1, 2, 3 Math Fonts (or 1, 2, 3 Science Fonts).  How can I upgrade to the newest version?
    Just contact us.  We have a couple of options for you that do not involve paying the full price for the latest product.

How will my order be shipped?
    All orders are shipped USPS within 2 business days. In most cases, you will receive your fonts package within a week.

Installation

How do I install the fonts in Windows?
    In most cases, the installation program will begin once the CD is inserted into your computer.  If not, double-click the drive containing the CD to begin the setup program.
Instructions for installing the fonts manually are…

      Method 1: Windows XP and later   
           1. Click Start, then choose Control Panel.
           2. Click Appearance and Personalization (XP: Appearance and Themes)
           3. Click Fonts.
           4. From the File menu, click Install New Font. If you don't see the File menu, press ALT.
           5. In the Add Fonts dialog box, under Drives, click the drive that contains the 123MathFonts CD-ROM.
           6. Select the Fonts folder in the Folder menu.
           7. Select the fonts you wish to install, then click Install.

      Method 2: Windows Vista and later
           1. Right-click on the drive containing your CD.
           2. Select Open.
           3. Double-click the Fonts folder to open it.
           4. Highlight the fonts by clicking and dragging over the titles, or by pressing Ctrl A.
           5. Right-click the highlighted area and select Install.

How do I install the fonts on a Mac?
           1. Insert the CD-ROM into your disk drive.
           2. Double-click the 123MathFonts Icon.
           3. Double-click the Fonts folder.
           4. Drag the fonts that you wish to install to the ~/Library/Fonts folder on your hard drive, (NOT the System/Library/Fonts folder.)

How can I tell if the fonts are installed?
    Open any word-processing program and check the Fonts list.  Our fonts all start with 123, and should be grouped together at the top of the list.

Licensing

How many computers can I install the fonts to?
   One.  No, wait, 2.  Well… maybe 3.  If you purchase a Single User License, you are permitted to install it on your home computer and your school computer. If you travel with a laptop, you may place the fonts on it as well.  The easy way to think of it is this: Place the fonts where YOU need them and can use them… not where a neighbor can use them.

Can I share the fonts with a friend or coworker?
    Anything you create and print is yours to share (if you do not charge for it).  However, you cannot share the actual fonts (don't install them on someone else's computer).

How does a School Site License work?
    School licenses allow installation of our fonts onto all computers in the school (one building). The employees of that school may also install the fonts onto their home computers, which is especially useful when creating materials in one place, while using them in another.
School licenses are PERMANENT, so there are no subscription or renewal fees.  New teachers that are hired after the purchase of a School Site License are included, and may install the fonts at home.

How does a District License work?
   District Licenses work exactly as School Site Licenses, but at the district level.  The fonts may be installed at all campuses, and on all employees' home computers.  District Licenses are also PERMANENT, and include all future construction.  You would not need to pay to include new campuses that are built or new teachers that are hired.

Can I publish materials I create using 1, 2, 3 Math Fonts or 1, 2, 3 Science Fonts?
   It depends.  If you create an item that you want to share at no cost or obligation, you have our blessing.  And please, send us a copy to share on our User Files page!  If you would like to sell items that you create using our fonts, that is permitted under 2 conditions :
           1. Notify us.
           2. Somewhere on your copyright page, include one of the following statements:
                  a. A portion of the materials herein were created with the use of 1, 2 3, Math Fonts.
                  b. A portion of the materials herein were created with the use of 1, 2 3, Science Fonts.

That's it!  There are no publishing fees, and you do not need to reference our website.

***A word (or two) on electronic documents for sale: If you use our fonts to create materials that you will sell electronically (i.e through the internet), it is very important that you make sure that the actual fonts are not made available to your customers. PDF files are one way this can be accomplished.  Electronic sales still must have one of the above copyright statements, and it must be located either 1) on the same page that your item is offered for sale, or 2) on digital copyright page included with the item that you are selling.
 
I have a document I want to share with a friend.  How do I do that?
    Well, encourage them to make a purchase!  Otherwise, you will need to convert it to some other viewable format (a picture or PDF).  Later versions of Word have a "Save as…" function that allows you to save documents as PDF files that can be shared electronically.  If your program does not have such a function, there are many free PDF conversion websites available that can be found through a simple search.

Math Fonts Questions

How do I place the hands on the face of the clock?
    123Clocks1 and 123Clocks2 have hands that are preset (see the User Manual). 123Clocks3 and 123Clocks4 allow you to place each hand separately after typing in a clock face.

             1. Type in a clock face (from the asdf row). HINT: When you start to type in the hands of the clock, the cursor will NOT advance
                 until you press the space bar.
             2. Use the lower-case qwerty row to place hour hands. Notice that when you type "q", which is below the "1" key, you will get an
                  hour hand pointing to the 1. When you type "w", which is below the "2", you will place an hour hand on the 2.  The pattern
                  continues as you move across the keyboard.
             3. Use the upper-case QWERTY row to place minute hands.  They follow the same pattern as the hour hands (q=1, w=2, etc).
             4. Press the space bar repeatedly to move past the clock face and continue typing.
             5. When using 123Clocks4, the digital numbers should be place last (if you are going to use them).  Typing them in will cause the
                 cursor to advance, which will cause the hands to appear off-center (unless you type the hands in first).

How can I place the hands more precisely?
    Though the clock fonts allow you to place the hour and minute hands on any number, users often want to be able to place the hands between the numbers for more accuracy and variety.  The fonts alone do not have this function.  However, most word processing programs contain drawing tools that will allow you to draw arrows in any direction or angle. Look for an Insert or Drawing menu.  Arrows are usually found in the common Shapes. In Word, right-clicking on a drawn arrow will allow you to format it (thicken the line, change the arrow style, etc).

How do I create a fraction?
    Numeric fractions can be created with any of the fraction fonts.  First, type the digit that you want in the numerator position.  (Notice that the cursor does not advance.  Typing another number will place it on top of the first number.)  Now press SHIFT while typing the digit you want in the denominator position. When finished, press the space bar 2 or more times to advance the cursor and continue typing.

NOTE: Fractions can actually be created in reverse order (denominator first, then numerator).  Just be sure to press the SHIFT key when you want to type in a denominator.

How do I create a fraction with 2 or more digits in the numerator or denominator?
    To create a multi-digit numerator and denominator, think about your fraction being created from left to right.  The digits on the left side, whether they are on the top or the bottom, must be created first.  Once the first digit in the numerator and the first digit in the denominator are created, press the space bar TWICE to advance the cursor one full space.  Now type in the next digit in the numerator and denominator.

For example, to create 12/48:
             1. Type 1 (1 is placed in numerator).
             2. Type SHIFT 4 (4 is place in denominator).
             3. Press Space bar twice (cursor advances).
             4. Type 2 (2 is placed in numerator).
             5. Type SHIFT 8 (8 is placed in denominator).
             6. Press Space bar several times to move past fraction and continue typing.

You can continue to add digits in this fashion to create longer fractions.

Sometimes, you may wish to have more numerals in the denominator than in the numerator (or vice versa).  It is possible to create these types of fractions and keep them well-centered.  Bear in mind that each time you press the space bar when using a fraction font, you will advance the cursor a half space.  Use this feature to your advantage to keep your fractions centered.

For example, to create the fraction 25/100.
             1. First, remember that you need to create your fraction from left to right.  When considering this rule, you will see that the
                 first digit you will want to place is the 1 in the denominator, then the 2 in the numerator, and so on.
             2. Type SHIFT 1 (1 is placed in the denominator).
             3. Press the Space bar once (cursor advances half a space).
             4. Type 2 (2 is placed in the numerator).
             5. Press the Space bar once (cursor advances half a space).
             6. Type SHIFT 0 (0 is placed in the denominator).
             7. Press the Space bar once (cursor advances half a space).
             8. Type 5 (5 is placed in the numerator).
             9. Press the Space bar once (cursor advances half a space).
           10. Type SHIFT 0 (0 is placed in the denominator).

This may sound like a lot of steps, but it is quite easy to get used to, and allows you to create high quality materials.

How do I overlap fraction models?
    123Fractions2 and 123Fractions3 both allow you to overlap fraction models, a handy technique when teaching multiplication of fractions.  123Fractions2 contains fraction models from halves through sevenths, while 123Fractions3 contains fraction models from eighths through tenths.  Both sets can be used together.

First, you may notice that when you type lower-case keys that the fraction models are divided vertically, and then you type upper-case keys the fractions are divided horizontally.

Also, the upper and lowercases are directly related. Whenever you type a lowercase key, the same uppercase key will provide the same fraction (though it will be horizontal instead of vertical).

Now, to create an overlapping fraction model, you must first choose the 2 fractions you want to overlap.  Then type one of them vertically (lowercase), then the other one horizontally (uppercase). The second fraction will appear directly on top of the first.  Their intersecting components will appear cross-hatched, showing the product of the 2 fractions.

For example, to show a model of ½ x 2/3:
             1. In 123Fractions2, type w.  A model of ½ will appear.  Notice that the cursor has not advanced.
             2. Now type Y (uppercase Y).  A model of 2/3 will appear ON TOP OF the first model.

How do I create a number line?
    Creating number lines can seem quite tricky at first, but there is a definite pattern to them.

      Method 1: Creating number lines from left to right.
           Using this method, the entire number line is created as you move across the page from left to right.  You will need to have a
           pretty good idea of what you want it to look like before you begin.
                1. Press [ (left bracket) to create a left arrow if desired.
                2. Choose a line style (check the User Manual).  For this example, we will use the small line located on the w key.
                3. Type your first number.
                4. Type w.  A portion of the number line will appear.
                5. Type your next number.
                6. Type w.
                7. Continue until your number line reaches the desired length.
                8. Type ] (right bracket) to place a closing arrow if desired.
                9. If you wish to have the arrows over the number line, you will need to place each portion as you go, or go back and place
                    them using Method 2.

      Method 2: Creating each component of the number line separately.
           This method may seem a little odd at first, but many find it to be much easier to use.  With this technique, you will first create the
           entire line, then place the numbers, then place any arrows you want to go over the number line.
                1. Create the line.
                        a. Press [ (left bracket) to create the left arrow if desired.
                        b. Choose a line style (check the User Manual).
                        c. Press the key for your line style repeatedly until your line reaches the desired length.
                        d. Press ] (right bracket) to place a closing arrow if desired.
                2. Place the numbers.
                        a. Move your mouse and click on the first line in your number line.
                        b. Type your first number.
                        c. Click on the next line OR use the right arrow key to move the cursor to the next line.
                        d. Type your next number.
                        e. Continue until the numbers are all placed.
                3. Place "jumping arrows".
                        a. Click on any line where you would like to place a jumping arrow.
                        b. Use the uppercase keys below 1, 2, 3 or 4 for top arrows.
                        c. Use the uppercase keys below 9, 0, - or = for a long top arrow.  These keys must be used together.  For instance,
                            press O to start the arrow, press P one or more times to lengthen the arrow, then press { or } to end the arrow.
                        d. Use the keys below 5, 6, 7 or 8 to create bounce-back arrows

How do I create a 2-digit number under the number line?
    For the two digit numbers, press SHIFT and the number that you want in the tens place (in this case the number "1").  Then type the number that you want for the ones place.  You can actually type them in any order since the cursor won't move when typing numbers.

Some people prefer to have the numbers centered a bit better than what is shown above.  In this case, try using Text Boxes.  It is a little more work, but allows greater precision if you want it.  FYI, when you select a Text Box, you can move it using the arrow keys on your keyboard.  For more precise placement, hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the arrow keys.

How do I place points on a coordinate grid?
    First place a blank grid using the asdf row, or the zxcv row. (See User Manual)

Next, you will need to place a point (or points). Using the number keys will place the point on any Y coordinate.  Use the space bar to choose your X coordinate.  Each time you press the space bar, the cursor will advance one unit. 

For example, if you want to place a point at (3,6)…
           1. Press the space bar 3 times (the cursor will advance to the 3 on X).
           2. Type 6.
           3. Your point should appear directly at the intersection (3,6).

Multiple points can be placed on any grid, just be sure to place them from left to right.

How do I create a decimal model?
    To create hundredths, first type in the number of filled columns you need from the lowercase qwerty row.  Typing q will show a decimal model with 10/100 filled (1 tenth), typing w will show 20/100 (2 tenths), and so on as you move across the keyboard.  So, to show a model with 70/100 (7 tenths), type the key below the 7, which is the letter u.
When you type, the decimal model will appear, but the cursor will remain inside the frame. Next, type in the remaining hundredths that you need from the uppercase QWERTY row. They will appear in the inside the frame.

These hundredths also correspond with the number keys just above them.  If you want to place 1 hundredth, type the uppercase letter below
the 1 (Q).  If you wish to place 6 hundredths, type the uppercase letter below the 6 (Y).

Example: To create a decimal model showing 37 hundredths:
           1. Type e (notice it is below the 3, and will show a model of 3 tenths, or 30/100).
           2. Type u (notice it is below the 7, and will show 7 more hundredths in the model).
           3. Press the space bar repeatedly to pass the decimal model and continue typing.

How do I create a volume model?
    Volume models are created by typing one lowercase key repeatedly, which will "grow" the model's length, then typing the corresponding uppercase key to "close off" the model.

For example, if you want to show a model of 3x5x7…
           1. Type u 6 times.  Each time you press the u key, you will see a 3x5 piece added to your model.  Each piece will
                connect to the piece before it.
           2. For the last piece to be placed, type the uppercase U.  This will place a closed piece on the end of your model.

Science Fonts Questions

How do I "fill" the graduated cylinders in 123Cylinders1-4?
    It takes at least 2 keystrokes to form filled graduated cylinder.
           1. Type in a cylinder piece using the qwerty row. q shows the range 0-20, w shows 10-30, e shows 20-40, etc (see User Manual).
           2. Use the asdf row to type in a "fill". As you move across the keyboard from left to right, each key represents a slightly higher fill.
               The lowercase asdf row provides fills for the bottom half of the cylinder. The uppercase ASDF keys will fill the top half of the cylinder.
           3. If you are unsure of which key to press, just press each key from left to right until it reaches the fill level you desire. Each keystroke
               will be placed on top of the previous keystroke.
           4. Press the space bar several times to advance the cursor.

How do I "fill" the thermometers?
    Thermometers are filled in a very similar manner to the Cylinders fonts.
           1. First type in a thermometer face using the qwerty row or the number row.  The temperature marking on each face rises as you
               move across the keyboard from left to right.  Pressing SHIFT with a key will provide the same thermometer face with a C symbol
               instead of an F.
           2. You will notice that even though a thermometer face has appeared, the cursor has not yet moved. This allows you to type in a "fill".
           3. To type in a fill, use the asdf row (bottom third of the thermometer), the ASDF row (middle third of the thermometer), or the zxcv
                row (top third of the thermometer).
           4. If you are unsure of which key to press, just press each key from left to right until it reaches the fill level you desire. Each keystroke
               will be placed on top of the previous keystroke.
           5. Press the space bar several times to advance the cursor.

How do I place the sliders on the triple beam balance?
    The triple beam balance from 123Scales3 requires at least 4 keystrokes to create a complete image.

           -  The z key is used to place a blank triple beam (the cursor will not advance). 
           -  The top row of keys (the number row) is used to place sliders on the top  beam.
           -  The qwerty row is used to place sliders on the middle beam.
           -  The asdf row is used to place sliders on the bottom beam.
           -  The space bar is used to move the cursor one unit across the bottom beam.

The values for each slider increase as you move across the keyboard from left to right.  They also correspond with the number row. The q key below the 1 key has a value of 100. The w below the 2 has a value of 200, and so on.

           Example: To create a triple beam balance showing 365.4 grams:
                     1. Type z (blank beams will appear).
                     2. Type e to place a slider on the 300 mark on the middle beam.
                     3. Type 6 to place a slider on the 60 mark on the top beam.  NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 can be completed in reverse order if
                         you wish.  The cursor will not advance until you press the space bar or place the slider on the bottom beam.
                     4. Press the space bar 5 times.  Each time you press it, the cursor moves 1 unit across the bottom beam.  5 presses should
                         take you to the 5.  Since we want to make 5.4 in this example, you will now press the f key (notice that this key is below the 4).
                     5. Press the space bar several times to advance the cursor.

General Font Questions