Calligraphr vs FontStruct
Calligraphr
calligraphr.comFontStruct
fontstruct.comSide by side
| Figure | Calligraphr | FontStruct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | £6/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Font Design Software | 9.1 (#3) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Integrations | Fonts can be installed on Windows or Mac and used in external programs such as MS Word or Adobe Illustrator; Google Docs does not support uploading custom fonts. | FontStruct added an export to Glyphs function in 2013, according to its blog. |
| Support | The site directs users with problems to contact support through its contact form or by email. | The maker offers a quick start guide and FAQ; it says it does not provide general instructions for installing fonts on specific systems. |
Plans
Calligraphr
- FreeFree
- Pro six-month upgrade£6 a month
- Pro£8, paid once
- Pro£8 a month
In their own words
Calligraphr
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.
FontStruct
FontStruct is an online tool for building fonts from geometric shapes arranged on a grid. Its web-based FontStructor editor lets users assemble designs called FontStructions, with controls for bricks, rotation, flipping, filters, spacing, kerning, keyboard shortcuts, and interface customization. Advanced editing includes Expert Mode, brick stacking, composite bricks, and commands. Finished designs can be downloaded as TrueType fonts for use in Mac or Windows applications; color fonts and webfont export are supported. Users can keep creations private or share them in a gallery, download other users’ fonts, and copy designs to make variations. A widget can display FontStructions on a website or blog. The site presents the service as a type-design community and as a grid-based way to teach type-design basics. It is a free service funded by advertising and sponsors. The FAQ says existing fonts cannot be uploaded, and OpenType layout tools are not included. A quick start guide and FAQ are offered, but the maker does not provide general instructions for installing fonts on specific systems.