Birdfont vs Calligraphr

Birdfont is a font editor for creating vector graphics and exporting TTF, OTF and SVG fonts. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, and supports monochrome and color font formats. SVG files from Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator can be imported. The Open Source plan costs nothing and includes TTF and monochrome SVG fonts, kerning, ligature substitutions, alternates, SVG import and commercial use. The Freeware plan also costs nothing, and allows creation of free fonts under the SIL Open Font license. Commercial costs $4.99, paid once; it includes commercial fonts and one year of upgrades, while the purchased version continues to work afterward. Plus costs $9.99, paid once and adds color fonts, OpenType SVG, OTF, COLR/CPAL, single-stroke CNC fonts and variable fonts. Plus can export multiple static fonts from a variable master. Birdfont is also available through Steam. The app does not collect user data by default; crash reports are optional.

Calligraphr turns handwriting or calligraphy into downloadable fonts. Users customize a character template, print and fill it, then scan or photograph the sheet and upload it. An image editor supports touch-ups, while controls adjust character height and spacing. Multiple character variants can be randomized to create more natural-looking handwriting. Fonts download as standard TTF or OTF files and continue working independently after download. The Free plan requires registration and allows unlimited fonts, one concurrent font, 75 characters per font, and two variants per character, with no ligatures. Pro costs £6 a month, billed per month for a 6 months upgrade; it allows 20 concurrent fonts, 600 characters per font, 15 variants per character, ligatures, browser and server storage, backup, and prioritized processing. Free data is stored in the browser and may be deleted after inactivity. Users may use creations commercially without crediting Calligraphr.