What are the best tools and software for creating custom fonts from scratch?

1 Sketch your ideas

The first step in creating custom fonts is to sketch your ideas on paper. You can use a pencil, a pen, a marker, or any other tool that you prefer. You can draw inspiration from existing fonts, shapes, symbols, or your own imagination. Try to experiment with different styles, weights, widths, and angles. You can also think about how your font will look in different contexts, such as headlines, body text, or logos. Sketching your ideas will help you refine your vision and prepare for the next step.

2 Scan and vectorize

The next step is to scan your sketches and convert them into digital files. You can use a scanner, a camera, or a smartphone app to capture your drawings. Then, you need to use a software that can vectorize your images, which means turning them into smooth and scalable curves. Some of the best software for vectorizing are Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and Vectornator. These software allow you to adjust the contrast, brightness, and resolution of your images, as well as to edit and refine the shapes and curves of your letters.

3 Edit and refine

The third step is to edit and refine your vectorized letters using a font editor software. A font editor software is a specialized tool that allows you to create and modify fonts in various formats, such as TrueType, OpenType, or Web Fonts. Some of the best font editor software are FontLab, Glyphs, and FontForge. These software enable you to adjust the spacing, kerning, alignment, and metrics of your letters, as well as to add features such as ligatures, alternates, and accents. You can also preview and test your font in different sizes and languages.

4 Export and install

The final step is to export and install your custom font on your computer or device. You can export your font in various formats, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you can export your font as a TrueType or OpenType file for desktop use, or as a Web Font file for online use. You can also use online tools such as Font Squirrel or Transfonter to generate and optimize your font files. To install your font, you need to copy or drag the font file into the fonts folder of your operating system, or use a font manager software such as FontBase or NexusFont.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?