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FontForge

fontforge.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #15 of 33 in Font Design Software

What it is

FontForge is a free, open-source font editor for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. It creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType and OpenType fonts, saves fonts in outline formats and can generate bitmaps. Users can draw letter outlines, set glyph metrics and ligatures, and manage related metadata. FontForge supports OpenType and Apple Advanced Typography tables, including GPOS and GSUB features. Its font, bitmap and metrics views offer ways to inspect and edit typefaces. For automation, it includes Python and a legacy native scripting interpreter; Python-package plugins can add tools to the Font View or Char View menus. The command line accepts PostScript, TrueType, OpenType, Mac resource, bitmap and SVG files, among others listed. The project makes source code available under a libre license and permits redistribution with or without a fee. Releases are available for Windows, Mac and GNU+Linux, with developer builds also offered. The Mac installation requires OS X 10.15 or later. The Windows page warns that the launcher may upset some antivirus and firewall applications. For questions, the homepage directs users to consult documentation and web searches before using its mailing list.

Spec sheet

Purpose
FontForge is a free and open source font editor.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Support
The homepage directs users to the mailing list for questions after consulting the documentation and web search.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Availability
Releases are available for Windows, Mac and GNU+Linux, with developer builds also available.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
File support
The command line accepts formats including PostScript, TrueType, OpenType, Mac resource, bitmap and SVG files.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Font editing
The editor lets users draw letter outlines and manage glyph metrics, ligatures and related metadata.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Font formats
It creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType and OpenType fonts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Mac requirement
The Mac installation page says OS X 10.15 or later is required.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Output
It saves fonts in many outline formats and generates bitmaps.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Plugins
Plugins are Python packages that extend FontForge, often by adding entries to the Font View or Char View Tools menu.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Scripting
FontForge includes Python and a legacy native scripting interpreter for modifying fonts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Source and license
The project provides source code under a libre license and describes FontForge as libre software whose copies may be redistributed with or without a fee.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Typography
FontForge supports OpenType and Apple Advanced Typography tables, including GPOS and GSUB features.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Views
The documentation describes font, bitmap and metrics views for inspecting and editing fonts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org
Windows warning
The Windows page says the launcher may upset some antivirus and firewall applications.Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org

Plans and prices

Free and open source Free source code access · redistribution permitted Read 30 Sep 2026 · fontforge.org

Every FontForge plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source, with redistribution permitted.
  • Creates and modifies PostScript, TrueType and OpenType fonts.
  • Supports GPOS and GSUB features.
  • Includes Python and a legacy scripting interpreter.
  • Available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux.

Limits

  • Mac installation requires OS X 10.15 or later.
  • Windows launcher may upset some antivirus or firewall applications.
  • Questions are directed to the mailing list after documentation.

Who it suits

FontForge suits people creating or modifying fonts who want editing, scripting and layout-table tools across Windows, macOS or GNU/Linux. Its source availability and redistribution terms may also suit users seeking libre software.

Verdict

FontForge provides font editing, layout support and scripting across three desktop platforms without a listed price. Check the Mac requirement and Windows launcher warning against your system setup.

Where Specifiction places it

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