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FontLab

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Create, edit, and convert fonts for any writing system on Mac and Windows.

Font ToolsGraphic DesignUI/UX Design
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Reviews onSourceForge
67 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Paid plans only

Biggest pro

Comprehensive suite of tools for all aspects of font design and conversion.

Biggest con

High upfront cost for the full FontLab 8 editor.

TL;DR - FontLab

  • Comprehensive font editor for creating and modifying OpenType, variable, color, and web fonts.
  • Tools for converting between various font formats and generating web fonts.
  • Features for transforming pixel images into vector artwork for creative typography.
Pricing: Paid only
Best for: Enterprises & pros
4.3/5 across review platforms

What is FontLab?

Editorial review
FontLab offers a suite of powerful font editing and conversion tools for professional type designers, graphic designers, and students. Its flagship product, FontLab 8, is a universal font editor for Mac and Windows that allows users to create and edit OpenType fonts, variable fonts, color fonts, and web fonts for any Unicode writing system. It supports a comprehensive workflow from initial design to spacing, kerning, and hinting, enabling the creation of complex font projects. Beyond its primary editor, FontLab provides specialized tools like TransType for universal font conversion between various formats, including PostScript, TrueType, and web fonts, and Vexy Lines, which transforms pixel images into scalable vector artwork for unique typographic effects. The platform caters to both seasoned professionals and beginners, with simpler options like TypeTool for those new to type design, and offers solutions for managing, fixing, and using fonts across different applications and platforms.

Available on: macOS, Windows

how we evaluateSourcefontlab.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comprehensive suite of tools for all aspects of font design and conversion.
  • Supports a wide range of font formats and Unicode writing systems.
  • Offers tools for both professional designers and beginners.
  • Ability to transform pixel images into unique vector typography.
  • Long-standing history and reputation in the type design industry.

Cons

  • High upfront cost for the full FontLab 8 editor.
  • Steep learning curve for new users due to the depth of features.
  • Some tools are Windows-only (e.g., TypeTool 3).

Ratings Across the Web

4.3(67 reviews)
SourceForge67 reviews
4.3/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

Create and edit OpenType fontsCreate and edit variable fontsCreate and edit color fontsCreate and edit web fontsAdjust spacing, kerning, and hintingConvert between font formats (PostScript, TrueType, WOFF, EOT)Turn pixel images into scalable vector artwork (Vexy Lines)Organize and fix font family linking

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 3, 2026

Lifetime

$499

Starter

$97 for 3 months

Student / teacher lifetime

$335

Student 1-year

$109

Calculate your costView full pricing

Is FontLab worth the price?

60/100

FontLab's pricing is on the expensive side for individual users, with the Lifetime license at $499 being a significant upfront investment.

The Starter tier at $97 for 3 months is also quite high for a short-term commitment. It's best suited for professional designers and agencies who rely heavily on advanced font creation tools.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No clear upgrade path between versions

Potential for future version upgrade fees

No free trial to assess fit

How FontLab Compares to Competitors

Compared to Glyphs, which offers a perpetual license for €299 (approx. $320 USD), FontLab's $499 Lifetime license is considerably more expensive. FontForge is a free, open-source alternative, making FontLab's pricing stand out as premium for its feature set and professional-grade tools.

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 67 verified user reviews on SourceForge

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Best FontLab Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Extensis Portfolio logo
Extensis PortfolioPaid

Centralize, organize, and automate your digital assets and font management with intelligent workflows.

4.0
See all font tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

FontLab vs Extensis PortfolioHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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FontLab FAQ

How does FontLab support the creation of diverse typography?

FontLab allows users to create and edit OpenType fonts, variable fonts, color fonts, and web fonts. It supports any Unicode writing system, enabling the design of fonts for a global audience.

Which teams would benefit most from using FontLab?

Professional type designers, graphic designers, and UI/UX design teams would find FontLab most beneficial. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools suitable for both seasoned professionals and students entering the field.

How does FontLab compare to Extensis Portfolio?

FontLab provides a comprehensive suite of tools focused on the creation, editing, and conversion of fonts, supporting a wide range of formats and writing systems. Extensis Portfolio, by contrast, is primarily a font management solution.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of with FontLab?

Users should note that the full FontLab 8 editor has a high upfront cost and a steep learning curve due to its extensive features. Additionally, some specialized tools like TypeTool 3 are exclusively available on Windows.

Does FontLab include a free tier?

FontLab is a paid product and does not offer a permanently free tier. It provides professional-grade tools for font design and conversion.

Can FontLab convert existing fonts between different formats?

Yes, FontLab includes a specialized tool called TransType for universal font conversion. This allows users to convert fonts between various formats, including PostScript, TrueType, and web fonts.

How does FontLab enable unique typographic effects?

FontLab offers a tool called Vexy Lines, which can transform pixel images into scalable vector artwork. This feature allows designers to create unique and distinctive typographic effects from raster graphics.

Source: fontlab.com

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