Side by side
PixelForge vs Runebender
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 LinuxWindows
Choose PixelForge if you make monochrome pixel fonts and want glyph editing, previews, and TTF export together. Look elsewhere if you need color fonts, multiple sizes or weights in one font, or formats beyond TTF.
Visit PixelForge
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Runebender offers broad font-source editing tools, but its alpha status and source-based native installation matter for adopting it. Work on copies and keep source files under version control, as the project documentation advises.
Visit RunebenderThe facts
| PixelForge | Runebender | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | pixel-forge.com | runebender.org |
| On font design software | #17 of 33 | #13 of 33 |
PixelForge: what it does well
- Imports pixel fonts and exports TTF files with metadata.
- Glyph tools include drawing, erasing, rotating, flipping, and scaling.
- Live text preview updates during glyph editing.
- Multiple projects can stay open with separate undo histories.
- Periodic saves and crash recovery help protect open documents.
What to know first
- Supports only monochrome 1-bit bitmap fonts.
- Each font is limited to one size and one weight.
- TTF is the only currently supported import and export format.
- The 0.91b release is a pre-release and may change before version 1.0.
Runebender: what it does well
- Covers glyphs, spacing, kerning, and feature code.
- Opens several source and compiled font formats.
- Experimental local models can suggest heavier glyph masters.
- Browser editor does not upload files.
What to know first
- Alpha software with no packaged native release.
- Native installation is from source with Cargo.
- Browser build is not recommended for real work.
- Writes source files in place.
Alternatives to PixelForge Alternatives to Runebender The whole list