How to Create a Font
Determine if you want to create your font digitally or traditionally., Draw out your font on a white piece of paper if you are designing it traditionally., Scan your work in at least a 200 dots per inch (dpi) setting., Use a vector graphic editor to...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Determine if you want to create your font digitally or traditionally.
For those who can digitally create a font, typically you will have a stylus pen with your mouse pad and can draw the digital letters freehand using the stylus.
If you are relying on traditional methods, use good paper and a black marker. -
Step 2: Draw out your font on a white piece of paper if you are designing it traditionally.
Start with the traditional alphabet, but don't be afraid to throw some graphic characters in there as well.
Additionally, be sure to add punctuation characters and accent characters. , After the scanned image is made, clean up dirt and dust, if any. , Then use a font editor to copy in vector data. , Kerning is the adjusting of your spacing between the characters to make them proportional as well as aesthetically pleasing. , Some companies charge you to create and export your font, while others will let you do it for free.
Try FontStruct which is one site that will let you create your fonts for free.
They give you TrueType fonts that you can easily use with either a Mac or a Windows application.
Or YourFonts only charges a small fee to make a font.
You only have to pay if you are happy with the font, and they offer a free preview. , Most computers allow you to do this through the fonts folder on your computer's control panel.
Some computers will allow you to simply drag and drop your font file into the font folder.
Other computers and operating systems require you to take the additional step of actually installing the font. , Examples include "How to Create your own TrueType Font for Free" and "How to Create Your Own Fonts for Free". -
Step 3: Scan your work in at least a 200 dots per inch (dpi) setting.
-
Step 4: Use a vector graphic editor to turn your image into a vector image.
-
Step 5: Try kerning to make the font uniquely your own.
-
Step 6: Export your typeface that was created.
-
Step 7: Install your font onto your computer.
-
Step 8: Watch online tutorials if you still have questions or concerns about how to construct your own font.
Detailed Guide
For those who can digitally create a font, typically you will have a stylus pen with your mouse pad and can draw the digital letters freehand using the stylus.
If you are relying on traditional methods, use good paper and a black marker.
Start with the traditional alphabet, but don't be afraid to throw some graphic characters in there as well.
Additionally, be sure to add punctuation characters and accent characters. , After the scanned image is made, clean up dirt and dust, if any. , Then use a font editor to copy in vector data. , Kerning is the adjusting of your spacing between the characters to make them proportional as well as aesthetically pleasing. , Some companies charge you to create and export your font, while others will let you do it for free.
Try FontStruct which is one site that will let you create your fonts for free.
They give you TrueType fonts that you can easily use with either a Mac or a Windows application.
Or YourFonts only charges a small fee to make a font.
You only have to pay if you are happy with the font, and they offer a free preview. , Most computers allow you to do this through the fonts folder on your computer's control panel.
Some computers will allow you to simply drag and drop your font file into the font folder.
Other computers and operating systems require you to take the additional step of actually installing the font. , Examples include "How to Create your own TrueType Font for Free" and "How to Create Your Own Fonts for Free".
About the Author
James Reynolds
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: