FontForge is a free, open-source font editor for Linux, macOS and Windows. It creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType and OpenType fonts, saves fonts in outline formats, and generates bitmaps. In the editor, users can draw letter outlines and manage glyph metrics, ligatures and related metadata. OpenType and Apple Advanced Typography tables are supported, including GPOS and GSUB features. Font, bitmap and metrics views provide ways to inspect and edit font components. FontForge includes Python and a legacy native scripting interpreter for modifying fonts, and Python-package plugins can add tools to the Font View or Char View menus. Its command line accepts PostScript, TrueType, OpenType, Mac resource, bitmap and SVG files. The source code is available under a libre license, and copies may be redistributed with or without a fee. The Mac installation requires OS X 10.15 or later; the Windows launcher may upset some antivirus and firewall applications. The listed plan is 0.00 USD per free.
Who it is for
FontForge suits type designers and other users who need to create or edit fonts, work with glyph metrics and layout tables, or modify fonts through scripts. It is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
What is good
- Free plan with source code access and redistribution permitted
- Creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType and OpenType fonts
- Supports OpenType and Apple Advanced Typography tables
- Includes Python scripting and Python-package plugins
What to know first
- Mac installation requires OS X 10.15 or later
- Windows launcher may upset some antivirus and firewall applications
Verdict
FontForge brings drawing, font editing, scripting and layout-table support together in a free tool. Check the Mac system requirement or Windows launcher warning before installing.
FontForge plans and pricing
All plansCompared on font design software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Webfont export
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux
- OpenType layout tools
- Yes
- Collaboration level
- basic
