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Calligraphr vs Fontastic

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.

Calligraphr

Free plan MacWebWindows

Choose Calligraphr if you want to build a font from handwriting or calligraphy and download it as a TTF or OTF file. The Free plan supports smaller character sets, while Pro adds capacity, ligatures and server storage. Look elsewhere if you need custom fonts uploaded into Google Docs or need collaboration, which is listed as none.

Visit Calligraphr

Fontastic

Free plan Web

Pick Fontastic if you need a free web-based workflow for assembling and exporting custom icon fonts. Its unlimited-font plan and CSS controls suit multiple sites, while the 1,000-icon set limit and stroke-import restriction may affect larger or more complex libraries.

Visit Fontastic

The facts

CalligraphrFontastic
Free planYesYes
Open sourceNoNot published
Runs onMac, Web, WindowsWeb
Lowest paid planPro: £8 a monthFree or on request
Plans published31
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websitecalligraphr.comfontastic.me
On font design software#5 of 33#9 of 33

Calligraphr: what it does well

  • Creates standard TTF or OTF files that work independently after download.
  • Template character sets and cell sizes can be customized.
  • Image editor and tools adjust characters, height and spacing.
  • Character variants can be randomized for variation.
  • Creations may be used commercially without crediting Calligraphr.

What to know first

  • The Free plan allows one concurrent font and 75 characters per font.
  • Free accounts have two variants per character and no ligatures.
  • Free font data is stored in the browser and may be deleted after inactivity.
  • Google Docs does not support uploading custom fonts.

Fontastic: what it does well

  • More than 9,000 ready-to-use icons
  • Import custom SVG icons or SVG fonts
  • CSS resizing, recoloring, shadows, and animation
  • Unlimited fonts on the Free Forever plan
  • Exports TTF, EOT, SVG, and WOFF files

What to know first

  • Each icon set is limited to 1,000 icons
  • SVG icons using strokes cannot be imported directly
  • Color fonts are not supported
  • Web platform only

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