FontLab

FontLab is more than just a basic font editor—it’s a complete type design environment that supports every step of the font creation process.

Whether you’re designing a brand-new typeface from scratch or refining an existing font, FontLab equips you with the precise tools and features needed to manage glyphs, spacing, kerning, hinting, and font exports.



It’s a favorite among professional type designers for its power, flexibility, and extensive format support.

Main Features

Vector Drawing Tools: Bezier curves, pen tools, and brush support for smooth and intuitive glyph drawing.

Multiple Master Support: Create and manage variable fonts using multiple design axes.

Interpolation and Blending: Automate design between font styles like light and bold.



Font Metrics and Kerning: Detailed controls for spacing and kerning adjustments.

Bitmap and Color Font Support: Import and edit bitmap and color glyphs including emoji-style fonts.

Auto-Hinting and Manual Hinting: Improve on-screen readability with smart hinting tools.

TrueType and OpenType Support: Work with professional font formats used across platforms.

Python Scripting: Extend FontLab’s functionality with custom scripts and automation.

Live Preview and Testing: View how fonts perform in real-time within various applications.

User Interface

FontLab’s UI is designed for flexibility and power, but it may appear complex to newcomers. It uses a multi-window layout with panels for glyphs, layers, guides, metrics, and drawing tools.

While there is a learning curve, the interface is highly customizable. You can rearrange panels, switch between light and dark modes, and use multiple editing views simultaneously.



The Glyph Window offers detailed drawing and editing space, while the Font Window provides a bird’s-eye view of your entire typeface. The Metrics Window simplifies spacing and kerning edits.

For professionals, the layered and modular design of the UI is highly productive, once mastered.

Installation and Setup

• Download the latest Windows installer.
• Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
• Activate the software with a purchased license or use the free trial version.

System performance during installation is smooth, and the software typically takes under 500MB of disk space.

The initial setup includes configuration of font file locations, interface preferences, and font export settings.

What`s New

• FontLab 8.4 delivers 500+ improvements over 8.0, making it faster, more intuitive, and the biggest upgrade yet.
• Modernized UI with a new dark theme and enhanced drawing tools like Stroke and Brush sketching.
• Improved glyph editing: non-destructive transformations with Delta, visual/numeric measurement, and smart spacing/kern tools.
• Features include variable components, glyph building with Skin, batch export, and action sets.
• Better color/gradient support and compatibility with .glyphs 3, FontForge, COLRv1, and Python 3.
• Smarter Help system, contextual menus, and redesigned widgets for intuitive glyph editing.
• Enhanced zooming with a new unit grid, flexible snapping, and full italic angle support.
• Add named anchors, use components as masks, detach reusable serifs, and scale elements easily.
• Huge performance boosts on Mac — up to 2× faster.
• CJK font support: create with variable components and Unicode Variation Selector sequences.
• Pro features: Match Moves syncs points across masters, and variable mark previews improve accuracy.
• Git-friendly .glyphspackage format now supported, with export tools for QA, organization, and Git push.
• Visually edit variable components and build complex glyphs with an improved Skin filter.

How to Use

Create a New Font: Start a new project or import an existing font (TTF, OTF, UFO, etc.).

Design Glyphs: Use the pen tool or import vector outlines to draw glyphs.

Edit Metrics and Kerning: Use the Metrics window to refine spacing and kerning pairs.

Add OpenType Features: Include ligatures, stylistic sets, and contextual alternates using FontLab’s feature editor.



Generate Variable Fonts: Define design axes and interpolate between masters.

Test and Preview: Use live testing or export a temporary font to see it in action.

Export: Save the final font in OTF, TTF, WOFF, or other supported formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is FontLab suitable for beginners?
This program is designed for professionals and may be overwhelming for complete beginners. However, the built-in tutorials and community support can help new users get started with the basics.

Can I import existing fonts into FontLab for editing?
Yes, it supports importing TTF, OTF, UFO, and other font formats. It allows full editing and refinement of existing fonts.

Does FontLab support variable fonts?
Yes, it offers extensive support for creating and editing variable fonts using multiple masters and design axes.

Is scripting required to use FontLab?
No, scripting is optional. The software includes Python support for automation and custom tools, but most features are available through the UI.

Can FontLab export web fonts?
Yes, it supports export to WOFF and WOFF2 formats for use in web development.

Alternatives

BirdFont – A more beginner-friendly and open-source option for creating TTF and OTF fonts.

FontCreator – The font editing tools you need to make new fonts or edit existing fonts

Affinity Designer – Not a font editor but useful for SVG glyph design

Pricing

Student 1-Year: $109 – For academic students, valid for 1 year. Upgradable to lifetime.

Student/Teacher Lifetime: $335 – Lifetime license for students, teachers, and institutions. Includes upgrade discounts.

Course 4-Months: $249 – For schools/teachers, valid for 20 students over 4 months.

Workshop 2-Weeks: $99 – For workshop organizers, valid for 20 participants for 14 days.

Starter (3 Months): $97 – For 1 user on 3 computers. Full features, no recurring fees. Rebuy after expiry.

Pro (Lifetime): $499 – Lifetime license, 1 user/3 devices. Includes updates and expert support. Discounts for future upgrades.

Upgrade (Lifetime License Discounts):

From FontLab 7: $149

From FontLab VI or Studio 5: $299

From Fontographer 5: $399

From TypeTool 3, RoboFont, or Glyphs: $459

Free Trial: 30-day fully functional trial available

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11 or Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel or AMD dual-core processor
• RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB or more recommended)
• Storage: 500MB free disk space
• Display: 1280x800 minimum resolution (Full HD recommended)
• Graphics: Integrated or dedicated graphics card for faster rendering

PROS

• Comprehensive type design tools
• Support for modern font technologies (variable fonts, OpenType, color fonts)
• Flexible, customizable UI
• Live preview and testing features
• Excellent format compatibility and import/export support

CONS

• Higher price compared to beginner-friendly alternatives
• Interface may feel overwhelming without prior experience
• Windows version less optimized than Mac competitors like Glyphs

Conclusion

FontLab for Windows PC is a powerhouse for professional font designers. It combines an expansive set of tools with deep customization and scripting support to handle virtually every aspect of font creation.

While its complexity and price point may not appeal to hobbyists or newcomers, those serious about type design will find FontLab a valuable, long-term investment.

Note: 30 days trial version.

Also Available: Download FontLab for Mac