Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft Font Maker VS Scanahand

Compare Microsoft Font Maker VS Scanahand and see what are their differences

Microsoft Font Maker logo Microsoft Font Maker

Use your pen to create a custom font based on the nuances of your own handwriting.

Scanahand logo Scanahand

Scanahand makes it easy to create Windows Truetype fonts from your handwriting.
  • Microsoft Font Maker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-27
  • Scanahand Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-03

Microsoft Font Maker features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Microsoft Font Maker offers an intuitive, straightforward interface. It allows users to create custom fonts easily by drawing characters on a touch-screen device, making it accessible to both novices and professionals.
  • Customization
    Users can personalize their fonts to reflect their unique handwriting style, providing a high level of customization and personalization.
  • Integration with Windows
    Being a Microsoft product, it integrates smoothly with Windows systems, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation and use.
  • Cost-effective
    Microsoft Font Maker is available for free on the Microsoft Store, making it a cost-effective option for users looking to create custom fonts without the expense of third-party software.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Font Maker

  • Touchscreen Requirement
    The application is designed primarily for devices with a touchscreen, which might limit its usability for users with more traditional desktop setups.
  • Feature Limitations
    While it offers basic font creation capabilities, it may lack advanced features sought by professional typographers or designers, such as kerning adjustments and advanced formatting options.
  • Limited Output Formats
    The program may offer limited options for exporting font files, potentially requiring additional software for conversions or broader compatibility.
  • Device Compatibility
    Since it is primarily designed for use on Windows 10 devices, users of other operating systems may not be able to use the software without additional workarounds.

Scanahand features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Scanahand offers an easy-to-use interface that allows users to create fonts quickly with minimal effort.
  • Custom Font Creation
    Users can create personalized fonts by scanning handwritten templates, allowing for a unique typography style.
  • PDF and Image Import
    The tool supports importing templates in both PDF and image formats, facilitating seamless transitions from paper to digital font.
  • Quick Setup Process
    Generating fonts with Scanahand is a relatively quick process due to its straightforward setup and clear instructions.
  • Versatile Export Options
    Fonts created with Scanahand can be exported in multiple formats, increasing their usability in various applications.

Possible disadvantages of Scanahand

  • Limited Feature Set
    Compared to more professional font creation software, Scanahand offers a basic set of features, which might not meet the needs of advanced users.
  • Manual Template Filling
    Users need to manually fill out a template to create their font, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
  • Dependence on Handwriting Quality
    The final font quality heavily depends on the user's handwriting, which might not always result in a professional-looking typeface.
  • No Advanced Editing Tools
    Scanahand lacks advanced editing tools found in more comprehensive font design software, limiting post-creation customization.
  • Windows Only
    The software is only available for Windows operating systems, excluding users on macOS or Linux.

Microsoft Font Maker videos

Make a font of your own handwriting using Microsoft Font Maker

More videos:

  • Review - Microsoft Font Maker
  • Tutorial - How to use Microsoft Font Maker to create a custom font

Scanahand videos

No Scanahand videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft Font Maker and Scanahand)
Design Tools
34 34%
66% 66
Image Marketplace
46 46%
54% 54
Web Icons
50 50%
50% 50
Graphic Design Software
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft Font Maker and Scanahand, you can also consider the following products

FontForge - Free (libre) font editor for Windows, Mac OS X and GNU+Linux

My Script Font - Make a font with your own handwriting

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

YourFonts.com - YourFonts is an online font generator that turns your handwriting into a font that you can use in every program that you own. 500,000+ fonts already made!

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

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