Birdfont for MAC
Free font editor for Mac that creates vector glyphs and exports TTF, OTF and SVG fonts. Fonts made with the free version must use the SIL Open Font License.
Birdfont Overview
Birdfont is a font editor for Mac that lets you create vector graphics and export them as TTF, OTF and SVG fonts. It supports both monochrome and color font formats, so it suits ordinary typefaces as well as color fonts. Its release notes describe a dedicated ligature tab, spacing classes, anchor glyphs, a color wheel, and the option to import another font and merge it with the one you are working on.
There is one condition to know before you start. The free Mac download is freeware under Birdfont's own license, which does not allow changes to the program and requires every font edited with it to be released under the SIL Open Font License. Check that this suits your project first, especially if you plan to keep a font's license closed. The program also comes without warranty. Birdfont is developed by Johan Mattsson and is supported by donations. Version 6.15.1 works on macOS 14 or later and supports both Intel and Apple Silicon. The site also offers version 5.2.1 for macOS 10.15 or later and version 4.17.0 for macOS 10.12 or later. The 6.15 release notes add a theme with a dark canvas and show the control point position in the toolbox.
Key Features
Birdfont covers the path from drawing a glyph to exporting a finished font.
- Vector drawing: create and edit glyphs as vector graphics.
- Font export: save TTF, OTF and SVG fonts.
- Color fonts: good support for monochrome and color formats.
- Ligatures: a dedicated tab for working with them.
- Spacing classes: faster handling since version 6.14.
- Anchor glyphs: anchors can point to other anchor glyphs.
- Font merging: import another font into the current one.
- Dark canvas: an optional theme added in version 6.15.
What’s New in Version 6.15.1
The Birdfont 6.15 release notes list two changes.
- The toolbox shows the control point position when the point tool is selected.
- A new theme with a dark canvas.
Birdfont FAQ
Is Birdfont free?
Yes. The Mac download is free freeware, but fonts edited with this version have to be released under the SIL Open Font License.
Can I keep my fonts under a closed license?
Not with the free version. Its license requires all fonts edited with it to be released under the SIL Open Font License.
Which font formats can Birdfont export?
It exports TTF, OTF and SVG fonts.
Does Birdfont support color fonts?
Yes. The developer says it has good support for both monochrome and color font formats.
Which macOS version does Birdfont need?
Version 6.15.1 works with macOS 14 or later.
Is there a version for older Macs?
Yes. The site offers version 5.2.1 for macOS 10.15 or later and version 4.17.0 for macOS 10.12 or later.
Does Birdfont run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. Version 6.15.1 supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Can I merge two fonts in Birdfont?
Yes. The release notes describe importing another font and merging it with the current one.
Can I get Birdfont another way?
Yes. The developer says it can also be downloaded through Steam.
Where does the Birdfont download on birdfont.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Birdfont download page at https://birdfont.org/purchase.php. birdfont.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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