Calligraphr vs Prototypo

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.

Prototypo is an online app for designing typefaces from four parametric starting points: Prototypo Fell, Prototypo Grotesk, Prototypo Elzevir, and Spectral. Its controls cover more than thirty characteristics, including thickness, aperture, and roundness, with separate adjustments for serif details. Users can change individual letters or groups of letters, then export fonts in OTF format for installation on macOS, Windows, or Linux, or display them in a browser. A Chrome extension previews font changes on websites, and fonts can be sent to Glyphr Studio for further editing. Prototypo supports the Latin Extended 3 glyph set, but has no cursive templates and does not let users import their own fonts to modify. The maker says exported fonts use a CC0 license, permitting commercial use without permission. The free plan has limited parameter range and one week of support; Pro is $8.25 per month and Team is $49.96 per month. The FAQ lists a free trial and requires an up-to-date Chrome, Firefox, or Opera browser.