MainType vs X-Fonter
MainType
high-logic.comX-Fonter
blacksunsoftware.comSide by side
| Figure | MainType | X-Fonter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Font Management Software | 7.9 (#12) | 7.5 (#21) |
| Font formats | It supports TrueType, OpenType, TrueType Collections, OpenType Collections, Variable Fonts, Color Fonts and PostScript Type 1 fonts. | It supports TrueType, OpenType, PostScript Type 1, raster, and vector fonts. |
| Founded | 1997 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Bilthoven, The Netherlands | Turnhout, Belgium |
| Support | High-Logic recommends its technical forum, where questions are usually answered within a couple of hours, and paid editions include direct developer support. | Support is provided by email, and the maker says it usually replies within 12 hours. |
Plans
MainType
- FreeFree
- Standard Edition$49, paid once
- Professional Edition$79, paid once
X-Fonter
- X-Fonter 14 Upgrade$25, paid once
- X-Fonter 14 — Full License$45, paid once
In their own words
MainType
MainType is a Windows font manager and viewer for finding, previewing, organizing, installing, and printing fonts. It supports TrueType, OpenType, collections, variable and color fonts, and PostScript Type 1. Variable-font axis controls and OpenType layout previews cover kerning, alternates, and complex scripts. MainType can manage fonts on network drives and synchronize selected folders with groups in the software. It detects invalid or corrupt fonts, protects system fonts, and can identify duplicates.
Font activation works with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and with Microsoft Word. Legacy Adobe auto-activation plug-ins have been discontinued; the recommended workflow is to install fonts before opening documents. MainType runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, and is described as tested for Windows 11 and high-DPI or 4K displays. The Free plan is for non-commercial use and allows up to 2,500 fonts. Standard Edition costs $49, paid once, and Professional Edition costs $79, paid once. A 30-day trial is listed. The user manual is available only in English, although the interface is translated into several languages.
X-Fonter
X-Fonter has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.