AMP Font Viewer vs MainType

AMP Font Viewer is a free Windows utility for browsing and managing fonts on a computer. It shows installed fonts and fonts in a folder, with several display options for viewing lists. The program handles TrueType, OpenType, and Type 1 formats. Fonts can be installed individually, as a list from a folder, or temporarily until AMP Font Viewer closes. You can remove fonts and arrange them into categories. A scratchpad provides a place to try typefaces, and the program can print font lists with a sample of each font. English and Spanish versions are available. The product page lists version 3.86, which added copying installed font files to a folder from the font-list window. AMPsoft offers a 522 KB installer and a 483 KB ZIP file. Windows Vista and Windows 7 guidance covers running as administrator when security settings block permanent installation. The listed plan is free.

MainType is a Windows font manager and viewer for finding, previewing, organizing, installing, and printing fonts. It supports TrueType, OpenType, collections, variable and color fonts, and PostScript Type 1. Variable-font axis controls and OpenType layout previews cover kerning, alternates, and complex scripts. MainType can manage fonts on network drives and synchronize selected folders with groups in the software. It detects invalid or corrupt fonts, protects system fonts, and can identify duplicates.

Font activation works with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and with Microsoft Word. Legacy Adobe auto-activation plug-ins have been discontinued; the recommended workflow is to install fonts before opening documents. MainType runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, and is described as tested for Windows 11 and high-DPI or 4K displays. The Free plan is for non-commercial use and allows up to 2,500 fonts. Standard Edition costs $49, paid once, and Professional Edition costs $79, paid once. A 30-day trial is listed. The user manual is available only in English, although the interface is translated into several languages.