Typophile

TypeTool vs. Fontlab

_leigh

OK, so it's not really a contest. As FontLab would kick TypeTools ass.

However it's time for me to purchase some font software for use at home (I'm still rocking Fontographer at work....gotta love them whoosh and bleeps!) but I'm wondering if TypeTool would be suitable for use at home, or is it gonna be a case of tying a hand behind my back for the sake of a few hundred quid?

Obviously, it down to what I intend to do, but; I don't want to count anything out. I have grand intentions for my sketches and scribbles and would be super vex if I found something I desperately want is missing from the cheaper option. So I'm interested in full featured opentype with ligatures galore, serious kerning tools, and also a heavy duty proofing system...and quite probably in the future numerous things I don't understand yet.

Slightly random, but I'm definitely a freehand tool style fan, as opposed to Illustrator style method of handling points etc. Do either lean towards one of those methods?
From what I've picked up reading the forum, a majority of you use FontLab, I rarely see anyone discussing TypeTool. I guess it's case of you get what you pay for?

Thanks in advance for any advice imparted, and apologies if there's already an existing thread discussing this.
Peace y'all!

Kemie

I use typetools. If you want to use opentype features, then it's probably not the tool for you. I'm happy with it, I wish I could script and add alternates and ligatures and classy kerning ;) , but can't really justify the expense of fontlab for the kind of use i give it.

K Cerulean Pease

I was stubborn for a long time and tried to do everything with TypeTool and VOLT. As you can imagine, help was hard to get. Eventually I was sold on the fact that FontLab's interpolation could take the Regular and Black faces I had done and instantly produce the corresponding Bold for me with very little cleanup needed. After I upgraded, I found that I had put a whole lot of unnecessary work into many things that would have been a lot quicker and easier with FontLab.

_leigh

Ah thanks people, FontLab it is.
Let's hope I don't get too flummoxed with fancy kerning and ligature scripting :)

Jason Pagura

Remember, though FontLab holds a virtual commercial monopoly on type design software, their products are not the only ones out there.

Dan Reynolds

>Remember, though FontLab holds a virtual commercial monopoly on type design software, their products are not the only ones out there.

Remember also that we type designers are a small community, and FontLab is a part of our community. They support us, just as we support them. FontLab employees visit online forums, hold lectures and workshops at virtually every conference, and help sponsor events, too. Many of the changes they build into their products are based on feedback from paying customers. I think that a company like that is worth my support, and I'm proud to be one of those using their software.

blank

I second Dan. I’ve spent much of the last two years learning to put my fonts together, and it’s been a lot easier with the effort Fontlab makes on behalf of its customers.

Jason Pagura

My comment wasn't meant as an attack on FontLab products and the good people who make them. Far from it. I only meant to remind end users to keep an open mind and not disregard the competition out of hand. Even in a niche market, competition is healthy for keeping product development and maintenance fresh and creative.

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