FontLab 8 vs FontStruct
FontLab 8
fontlab.comFontStruct
fontstruct.comSide by side
| Figure | FontLab 8 | FontStruct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9.08/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Spec score · Font Design Software | 8.1 (#9) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Founded | 1992 | 2008 |
| Integrations | The maker lists interchange with Glyphs, RoboFont, FontForge and Microsoft VOLT, plus Python 3 scripting and the TypeRig library. | FontStruct added an export to Glyphs function in 2013, according to its blog. |
| Support | The maker offers expert support with the Starter and Pro licenses and provides support through its support portal and 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
FontLab 8
- Starter — 3-months license$97, paid once
- Workshop 2-weeks$99, paid once
- Student 1-year$109 a year
- Course 4-months$249, paid once
- Student / teacher lifetime$335, paid once
- Pro — Lifetime license$499, paid once
In their own words
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.