Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

M+ 1m VS FontForge

Compare M+ 1m VS FontForge and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

M+ 1m logo M+ 1m

Download and install the M+ 1m free font family by M+ Fonts as well as test-drive and see a complete character set.

FontForge logo FontForge

Free (libre) font editor for Windows, Mac OS X and GNU+Linux
  • M+ 1m Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-22
  • FontForge Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-14

M+ 1m features and specs

  • Versatility
    M+ 1m is a versatile font that can be used in a variety of applications, from print to digital media.
  • Free for Commercial Use
    The font is available for free under the SIL Open Font License, making it cost-effective for both personal and commercial projects.
  • Multiple Weights
    M+ 1m comes in multiple weights, providing flexibility in design and allowing for varied typographic contrast.
  • Legibility
    The font is designed to be highly legible, even in small sizes, which is critical for both web and print readability.
  • Multilingual Support
    M+ 1m supports a wide variety of languages, making it suitable for international projects.

Possible disadvantages of M+ 1m

  • Limited Brand Distinctiveness
    Due to its simplicity, M+ 1m may lack the distinctiveness needed for unique brand identities.
  • Overuse
    Being a free and versatile font, M+ 1m may be widely used, resulting in a less unique look for your projects.
  • Display Limitations
    While highly legible, M+ 1m may not be the best choice for display text or headings where more stylistic fonts can make a stronger visual impact.
  • Character Set
    Although it supports multiple languages, the character set may still be less comprehensive compared to premium fonts.
  • Requires Pairing
    To achieve a more sophisticated design, M+ 1m often needs to be paired with other fonts, which can complicate the design process.

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.

Analysis of FontForge

Overall verdict

  • FontForge is a good tool, especially for those who are looking for a free, open-source solution for font creation and editing. It provides a robust set of features that can meet the needs of most font design projects, though its interface might not be as modern or intuitive as some premium alternatives.

Why this product is good

  • FontForge is a well-regarded open-source font editor that provides a comprehensive set of tools for designing, editing, and converting fonts. It is favored for its extensive format support, allowing users to work with various font types including TrueType, OpenType, and PostScript. It also offers scripting capabilities with Python, which can be very helpful for automating tasks. Despite its slightly outdated interface, its feature-rich environment accommodates both beginners and experienced users in typography design.

Recommended for

  • Graphic designers who need a free and open-source font design tool.
  • Beginners in font design who are willing to learn and explore font creation.
  • Advanced users who appreciate the ability to script and automate tasks using Python.
  • Projects requiring compatibility with multiple font formats.

M+ 1m videos

No M+ 1m videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

FontForge videos

FontForge Master Class Part 1 - Install & Intro

More videos:

  • Review - Introduction to FontForge
  • Tutorial - Turn your handwriting into a font! (Calligraphr/Fontforge Tutorial)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to M+ 1m and FontForge)
Typography
100 100%
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Design
100 100%
0% 0
Image Marketplace
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using M+ 1m and FontForge. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing M+ 1m and FontForge, you can also consider the following products

Operator - Looking for something? Make a request and we'll find it.

FontCreator - This professional font editor allows you to create and edit TrueType and OpenType fonts.

Inconsolata - OSX, Productivity, Design, Typography, powerline, and Fonts

BirdFont - Birdfont is a free font editor which lets you create vector graphics and export TTF, OTF, EOT and...

Noto Mono - OSX, Typography, Fonts, Design, and powerline

Glyphs - Make everything from dingbat webfonts to full-fledged text typefaces in the most Mac-like font...