FontStruct

Website

fontstruct.com

$ Details

-

Categories

#Design Tools #Image Marketplace #Graphic Design Software #Web Icons

FontForge

Website

fontforge.org

$ Details

free

Categories

#Design Tools #Image Marketplace #Graphic Design Software #Web Icons

FontStruct features and specs

• User-Friendly Interface
  FontStruct offers a highly intuitive, browser-based interface that makes creating custom fonts accessible even for beginners.
• Free to Use
  The platform is completely free, providing a cost-effective way to design and share custom fonts.
• Community and Sharing
  FontStruct boasts an active community where users can share their creations and find inspiration from others' work.
• Ease of Export
  Once a font is created, it can be easily exported in TTF (TrueType Font) format for use on various platforms.
• Pre-made Shapes
  The platform includes a large library of pre-made shapes and components, simplifying the font creation process.

Possible disadvantages of FontStruct

• Limited Design Tools
  FontStruct is based on a modular, grid-based system, which can limit the complexity and creativity of the fonts you can create.
• Web-based Performance Limitations
  Because it is a web-based tool, performance may suffer on slower internet connections or less powerful computers.
• Limited Advanced Features
  Professional typographers may find FontStruct lacking in advanced features found in high-end font design software.
• Dependency on Browser
  As a web application, users are dependent on their browsers for functionality and may encounter compatibility issues.
• Lack of Direct Technical Support
  While the community can offer help, official, direct technical support options are minimal compared to paid software.

FontForge features and specs

• Open Source
  FontForge is an open-source font editor, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This makes it accessible for individuals or organizations with limited budgets.
• Cross-Platform
  FontForge is available for various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to work on their font projects regardless of the platform.
• Extensive Feature Set
  FontForge boasts a wide range of features for font creation and editing, including support for multiple font formats, scripting abilities, and advanced typographic tools.
• Active Community
  As an open-source project, FontForge has an active community of users and developers who contribute to its improvement and provide valuable support and resources.
• Scripting Capabilities
  FontForge supports Python scripting, which allows users to automate repetitive tasks, create custom tools, and extend the functionality of the software.

Possible disadvantages of FontForge

• Steep Learning Curve
  FontForge can be challenging for beginners due to its complex interface and extensive feature set, requiring a significant time investment to become proficient.
• Less Polished Interface
  Compared to some commercial font editors, FontForge’s user interface may appear less modern and less intuitive, which can be a drawback for users accustomed to more polished software.
• Inconsistent Documentation
  While there is a wealth of information available, the documentation for FontForge can sometimes be outdated or incomplete, making it difficult for users to find the help they need.
• Limited Customer Support
  As an open-source project, FontForge lacks dedicated customer support. Users must rely on community forums and user groups for assistance, which may not always provide timely or comprehensive help.
• Occasional Stability Issues
  Some users have reported encountering bugs and crashes, which can disrupt work and result in lost progress if proper precautions like frequent saving are not taken.

Fontstruct Advanced Tutorial

More videos:

FontForge Master Class Part 1 - Install & Intro

More videos: