Side by side
FontLab 8 vs Fontself
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
FontLab 8 combines drawing, spacing, kerning, OpenType and broad format support in one editor. Its paid licensing choices and computer limits should be matched to the intended user and project.
Visit FontLab 8 Paid iPhoneMacWindows
Fontself focuses on turning drawn lettering into fonts with desktop Adobe extensions and an iPad workflow. Check the Adobe-version requirement and one-time license terms before choosing it.
Visit FontselfThe facts
| FontLab 8 | Fontself | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter — 3-months license: $97, paid once | Fontself Maker for Illustrator CC: $39, paid once |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | fontlab.com | fontself.com |
| On font design software | #24 of 30 | #28 of 30 |
FontLab 8: what it does well
- Variable and color font creation
- Right-to-left kerning support
- OpenType Layout feature tools
- Many import and export formats
- Fully functional 10-day trial
What to know first
- No free plan
- Starter and Pro licenses limit use to three computers
- Windows 7 has limited functionality
Fontself: what it does well
- Creates glyphs from dragged lettering
- Exports OpenType color fonts
- Includes spacing and kerning controls
- Standalone iPad app
- Free updates after purchase
What to know first
- No free plan or trial
- Adobe Maker requires CC 2025+
- Desktop license is personal
- Webfont export is unavailable
Alternatives to FontLab 8 Alternatives to Fontself The whole list