Side by side
Birdfont vs FontForge
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 LinuxMacWindows
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.
Visit FontForgeThe facts
| Birdfont | FontForge | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Commercial: $4.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | birdfont.org | fontforge.org |
| On font design software | #3 of 33 | #7 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.
FontForge: what it does well
- 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
Alternatives to Birdfont Alternatives to FontForge The whole list