But it simply doesn't have the functionality that specialized type design software has. As an all around generalist vector drawing program it's fine (if you ignore the absolutely awful UX/UI). Illustrator is the industry standard for vector art, but not because it's the best. (I feel icky plugging it, but I do have a few videos that go into a lot more detail, and I'm always happy to answer more questions!) I know it's a learning curve within a learning curve, but it's worth it! If you do decide to jump to one of the dedicated apps, I always strongly encourage users to draw their letterforms in there and stay out of Illustrator. And while that doesn't sound like much, it adds up in a huge way over Illustrator the more you work with letterforms. Generally speaking, you get finer control not only over the points, but the Bézier handles as well. Something I want to point out on Glyphs and FontForge: the pen tool is way more powerful in either application than Illustrator. That's not a knock-just the price one might need to pay for it. I spent a good amount of time playing the 'where's X feature' game-and while I do eventually find things, it takes me just that extra little bit of work that makes using FontForge feel like it takes more energy and effort. Something I really enjoy and want to add, is the pen tool in Glyphs feels intuitive enough that the jump you make to using it doesn't feel too far from Illustrator.įontForge definitely earns its keep with the price tag, but the big thing you lose is the UI friendliness. It's a very friendly interface and, in the case of Glyphs Mini, strips out everything you don't need which makes getting started even faster. In terms of dedicated font software, the Glyphs apps have it the best when it comes to their learning curve. Personally, I use Glyphs and Glyphs Mini for the bulk of my work and tutorials. Additionally, if you're just starting out, Fontself makes the entire process easy and a bit of fun while you learn more about the design process. Since it's integrated directly in the program, you don't have the fuss of copying and pasting letterforms from one application to another (and that can get messy fast). If you're looking for the best solution that works alongside Procreate and Illustrator (really just Illustrator), Fontself is your best bet. Overall, I'd say Fontforge is decent if you're starting out in type design or a hobbyist but if you plan to make it a career, job or what have you, I'd suggest learning one of the other programs. Took forever but it was pretty badass (sadly I couldn't use the art but I was mostly just testing things out at the time). Actually spent many hours once outlining a piece of anime art and tried it. The documentation is a bit outdated last I checked but fontforge can still allow you to create characters and glyphs for a font from the simple characters and punctuation to ornaments and even logos. Fontforge can be a bit overwhelming to those starting out. It's pretty great for those on a budget of 'poor as fuck'.

The biggest advantage to Fontforge is that it's free. I have seen others use Fontself but I'm not qualified to speak on that program. Only two of them were decent for book typography. I've used Fontforge to design seven typefaces. Association Typographique Internationale.Handwriting – among other techniques – cannot. Glyphs: The symbols in a typeface that represent characters like A, ! or 5.Type: Printed or digitally reproduced glyphs.Typesetting: The act of arranging physical or digital type.Typography: The art and technique of arranging physical or digital type.Rule of thumb: If your submission is about Comic Sans MS misuse, bad keming or a funny typo, it’s likely better not to post it.ĭo not use URL shorteners. Only exception: It’s educational and non-obvious. No memes, image macros and similar submissions.No lettering, calligraphy, handwriting, graffiti, illustrations.

Fontforge alternative