Symbol encoding is a feature that is set to either "on" or "off" when the font is originally created. Having the feature "on" allows your font to appear in a list of fonts when you select the "insert-symbol" feature in most word processors or other applications (similar to WingDings or Dingbat fonts). Additionally, your font must be set to symbol encoded if you wish to use your special characters as bullets in some word processor applications. The only downside is that a symbol encoded font can not be selected as a formatting option in some older e-mail programs. Whether you request this feature or not, it has no effect on the quality or operation of the font.