How to Get started with FontForge

Install XQuartz

Go to xquartz.org, download the disk image (dmg) file, then doubleclick it to open it. Open XQuartz.pkg from the image to install the software. Log out and back in, or restart, to enable XQuartz to work correctly.

Edit a glyph

The window has its own menu bar, rather than using macOS’s. In the grid of empty characters (glyphs), start by double-clicking the lower-case “o.” A second window opens with a tool palette and, again, its own menu bar.

Add a counter

Keep going and you’ll complete the o’s outline. Hold the Spacebar for a preview; it appears as a solid disc. Switch to the plain curve point tool on the left and draw a counter (the white space inside) by placing points.

Download

Go to bit.ly/2hzMzaw and enter your email address. You’ll get a confirmation email, but you can ignore it. Either way, you can make an optional donation to support development of the app or click to download FontForge.

Adjust metrics

The window’s horizontal guides set the ascender/descender heights for all glyphs; alter them in Element > Font Info > General. The vertical guide on the right can be adjusted per glyph. Drag it to about 800 (1/8th of an em).

Correct path

If you preview the glyph again, you’ll still get a solid disc, because both paths have the same direction. Press to correct this. Holding down the Spacebar shows your finished letter o. Almost done…

Up and running

Click Short Guide and skip to where you’re asked to pick a download. Drag the FontForge app to your Mac’s Applications folder, then double-click it to open it. XQuartz should open and you‘ll see a window named “Untitled 1.”

Draw a curve

Rather than using the Bézier pen, let’s try one of the alternative tools below, “Add a curve point always either horizontal or vertical.” With this, click – don’t drag – in the middle of each side of the central square in turn.

Scale for overshoot

To make curves align optically with straight lines of other glyphs, they need to overshoot. Press to select all points, press choose Scale, enter 105%, click OK. Draw additional glyphs, then export the font.