Side by side
FontCreator vs Shift
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 trial MacWindows
FontCreator covers detailed font production across desktop Windows and macOS, including variable and color workflows. The two paid editions and 30-day trial let users choose between everyday and advanced toolsets.
Visit FontCreator Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose Shift if you want a free, open-source desktop editor for variable font design, with outline tools and editable source settings across three operating systems. Look elsewhere if you need text proofing, full spacing and kerning workflows, webfont export, or OpenType layout tools.
Visit ShiftThe facts
| FontCreator | Shift | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | FontCreator 16 Essentials: $49, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | high-logic.com | shift.graphics |
| On font design software | #22 of 33 | #18 of 33 |
FontCreator: what it does well
- Creates variable and color fonts
- Preserves OpenType layout data
- Includes real-time font validation
- Supports WOFF and WOFF2
- Runs on Windows and macOS
What to know first
- No free plan
- Trial lasts 30 days
- License required after trial
- Single-user license covers two devices
Shift: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Edits variable font sources and settings.
- Exports TrueType fonts.
- Uses language data to check required glyph coverage.
What to know first
- The current release is an alpha, and workflows may change.
- TTF and OTF files are view-only previews.
- Text proofing and complete spacing and kerning workflows are unavailable.
- Webfont export and OpenType layout tools are unavailable.
Alternatives to FontCreator Alternatives to Shift The whole list