How to Make TrueType Fonts

TrueType fonts are outline fonts created to comply with the TrueType specifications. TrueType fonts are a common format for Windows and Mac operating systems, and versions of TrueType fonts are available for use with Linux. Software applications called font editors allow you to design and create fonts of various formats including TrueType. In addition to commercial font editing applications, open source font editors such as FontForge allow you to make TrueType fonts based on original designs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Operating system for computer Font editor software

1. Create the basic design for one of the letters in your font. For example, you might design a capital A for your new font by drawing it on paper and then scanning it or by creating it in a graphic design application.

2. Import the basic design into your font editor. Create an outline of your basic design using the tools in your font editor. The outline is referred to as a glyph.

3. Examine and control the metrics of each glyph you create using your font editor. This is to ensure that the final set of fonts based on your glyphs will have a consistent appearance.

4. Create the typographical variations, such as italic or boldface, you want to include in your font. The variations are derived using glyphs, so you do not have to create new designs for each variation.

5. Run a quality control checking tool to ensure that you have a complete set of the basic glyphs needed for your new font. Quality control tools are included in most font editors, and are included in FontForge.

6. Generate the final font from the glyphs based on your original design using the font generation tool in your font editor. Configure the font generation tool specifically to generate TrueType fonts. This will complete the process.