FontForge vs Type Light

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.

Type Light is a free TrueType font editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It creates and modifies TTF fonts, including custom symbol and barcode fonts. Drawing tools make glyphs from straight lines and quadratic Bézier curves, with operations for combining or subtracting shapes. You can assign Unicode values or custom encodings to glyph slots and set horizontal metrics. Basic kerning tables and pair adjustments are supported. Metadata controls cover family name, style flags, copyright strings, and embedding permissions. The editor exports Windows-compatible TTF files that the product page says work in Office applications, Adobe products, and web browsers. No registration is required, and the free plan has no feature restrictions or trial period. Created fonts may be used commercially. Type Light does not provide OpenType features, variable fonts, or PostScript Type 1 support, and its undo history is limited.