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Ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of font creation? Whether you're a complete beginner or have some design experience under your belt, this guide will walk you through the process of creating your very own fonts using both iPads and computers. Creating a custom font isn’t just about letters; it's about bringing personality and character to words - and sharing (or even selling) the font files for all to enjoy. Let's dive in!

Designing Custom Fonts: Step-By-Step

4. Create Glyphs: Design all necessary characters, including punctuation.

5. Kerning and Spacing: Adjust the space between letter pairs.

6. Generate Font File: Export your font in your chosen format.

7. Test, Test, Test: Try your font in various applications and sizes.

Designing Digitally

Best for designing letters and fonts digitally or converting handmade letters into electronic format.

• Tablet (e.g. Graphic Tablet or iPad) and Stylus (Optional): Useful for hand-drawing font designs with precision when using design apps (e.g. Procreate, Fontself, iFontMaker, Fonty, etc.).

• Computer (Desktop or Laptop): Required for using font design software. Make sure it meets the technical specs of your chosen software

• Programs/Apps: Any graphic design software that supports custom artboard specs and vector/image file format exports will suffice. Recommended: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or in-app/web based font software etc.). See Tools of the Trade section for a detailed list and comparison of options.

Designing by Hand

Best for hand letting, sketching, and/or calligraphy.

• Drawing / Calligraphy Supplies: Ideal for sketching or inking font concepts. Don’t forget paper, pencils, and erasers for drafting and refining handwritten letterforms before digitizing

• Light Table & Tracing Paper (Optional): If you prefer layering and tracing designs manually.

Now, you might be wondering, "Should I use my iPad or my computer?" The answer is... drumroll please... either! These apps and programs cater to a variety of font design needs, from beginner-friendly tools to professional-grade software for experts in typography. Here are the top platforms to create, share and sell your own custom font.

Font Creation Software

Where to Publish Your Custom Font

Font File Types: What's the Difference?

Alright, pop quiz time! Do you know your OTFs from your TTFs? Don't worry if you don't – got you covered:

• TrueType Font (TTF): The OG of digital fonts. Great for both print and screen.

• OpenType Font (OTF): The cool kid on the block. Supports more characters and advanced typographic features.

• Web Open Font Format (WOFF/WOFF2): The speed demon. Compressed for faster loading on websites.

• Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG): The flexible one. Great for responsive web design.

• EOT (Embedded Open Type): Designed for older browsers like legacy Internet Explorer versions.

Custom Font Design Tips & Tricks

Font Terminology

This is a brief list key font terms. Check out the Typography Glossary in Creative Space | #MadeByMELO - perfect for novice and advanced typographers alike.

• Glyphs: Each character in a typeface or font is called a glyph, including individual letters, numbers, and punctuation marks.

• Baseline: Like lines on a sheet of ruled paper, the baseline is where all glyphs align at the bottom. 

• Cap Height: Conversely, cap height describes the height of most capital letters. 

• X-height: Dropping from the cap height, the x-height is the height of lowercase letters without “ascenders,” typically measured with the “x” glyph.

• Ascender Height: Moving back up a little, ascender height describes the height of lowercase letters that extend past the x-height, such as the “l” and “k” glyphs.

• Descender Height: Descender height describes the line for glyphs that descend below the baseline, like the “g” and “j” glyphs.

• Stem: The stem is the vertical stroke of most glyphs.

Typography Resources

Explore the evolution of calligraphy to typesetting and typography with these Typography & Letting resources from Art & Inquiry and Creative Space | #MadeByMELO.

• What Does the Font Say?: The Art of Typography and Fonts

• Choosing the Perfect Font for Digital Design

• Find Your Type: A Typography Glossary for Art & Design

• Art & Inquiry: Art of the Letter: Podcast Companion Guide (Ep. 2502)

Create Your Type

Creating fonts is a journey of creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Whether you're doodling on your iPad or clicking away on your computer, remember that every great typeface started as a simple idea. So why not give it a shot?

Who knows? Your font might be the next Helvetica or Comic Sans (okay, maybe aim a little higher than Comic Sans 😉). Happy designing, and may your fonts be ever fabulous!

P.S. Drop a comment below with your font creation experiences or questions.

1  Fontself Store - Get your license and start making your fonts 

2  Fontself - The Easiest Way to Make Fonts 

3  Art & Inquiry Ep 2502 “The Art of the Letter” Podcast Companion Guide

4  Information contained in this article about websites, platforms, software, and programs was sourced from the respective websites linked article. Please refer to the ofifical site for the latest information, pricing, and features. Some links may be affiliate links providing a small commision for qualifying purchases made with the link at no cost to you. Learn more about MELOGRAPHICS Partners here.