Side by side
Birdfont vs Counterpunch
Both stand on font design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Birdfont covers font creation and export across Linux, Windows, and macOS, with SVG import and free plan options. Check the plan details carefully if you need commercial use, color formats, or variable fonts.
Visit Birdfont Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Counterpunch offers font editing with scripting and variable-font considerations, while keeping project data on the user's device according to the maker. Its Alpha status and mobile limitation are important to weigh, and AI assistance is not part of the free editor.
Visit CounterpunchThe facts
| Birdfont | Counterpunch | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Commercial: $4.99, paid once | Basic: €5 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | birdfont.org | counterpunch.space |
| On font design software | #3 of 33 | #1 of 33 |
Birdfont: what it does well
- Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Imports SVG files from Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator.
- Offers monochrome and color font formats.
- Open Source plan includes kerning and ligature substitutions.
- Plus can export static fonts from a variable master.
What to know first
- Freeware fonts must use the SIL Open Font license.
- Commercial plan costs $4.99, paid once.
- Plus plan costs $9.99, paid once.
- No collaboration features are listed.
Counterpunch: what it does well
- Supports Arabic and Devanagari shaping.
- GPLv3-licensed and usable without registration.
- Installed PWA supports offline editing and preview compilation.
- Font data and scripts stay on the user's computer.
What to know first
- The editor is in Alpha.
- Not optimized for mobile operating systems.
- Free editor does not include the AI assistant.
- The AI assistant requires a connection and signed-in account.
Alternatives to Birdfont Alternatives to Counterpunch The whole list

