Side by side
Counterpunch vs Fontra
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 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 Counterpunch
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Fontra offers a broad set of variable-font editing tools in a free, cross-platform project. Check the listed desktop builds and Linux installation options against your system, and note that multi-user collaboration is tied to a remote setup.
Visit FontraThe facts
| Counterpunch | Fontra | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Basic: €5 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | counterpunch.space | fontra.xyz |
| On font design software | #1 of 33 | #2 of 33 |
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.
Fontra: what it does well
- Free and open-source under GPL-3.0.
- Reads and writes Designspace and UFO files.
- Includes variable-font editing and export tools.
- Remote setup supports real-time collaboration.
- Desktop packages cover macOS, Windows, and Ubuntu x86_64.
What to know first
- Desktop binaries are listed for specific operating systems and versions.
- Other Linux architectures require compiling from source.
- Real-time collaboration requires a remote server setup.
Alternatives to Counterpunch Alternatives to Fontra The whole list