Counterpunch vs FontForge

Counterpunch is a browser-based font studio for designing and editing fonts, with support for bidirectional complex-script shaping such as Arabic and Devanagari. It is built with variable fonts in mind, including weight, width, and custom axes. Users can edit components in place, inspect fonts through code-driven glyph filters, and use a Python environment to work with scripts; the maker says user code can catch and repair broken scripts. Its AI assistant generates Python scripts locally rather than sending font data to AI servers. The editor is GPLv3-licensed and usable without registration, and the maker says projects stay on the user’s device with minimal data collection. Installing it as a Progressive Web App enables offline editing, Python use, and preview compilation; the assistant still needs a connection and signed-in account. The editor is in Alpha, and documentation says it is not optimized for mobile. Pricing lists a Free plan at free and Basic at €5 a month.

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.