What it does
FontLab 8 is a desktop editor for creating OpenType, variable, colour and web fonts on Windows and Mac. It covers drawing, spacing, kerning, hinting and conversion between font formats. A fully functional 10-day trial is available before buying a time-limited or lifetime licence.
FontLab combines outline work with the production steps needed to export fonts. FontAudit checks outlines; Matchmaker helps align compatible contours across masters; batch export and Actions sets handle repeated operations. It also supports right-to-left kerning and multiple writing systems.
Licence choices
The Starter licence is USD 97 for 97 days, with no automatic renewal. The Pro lifetime licence is USD 499. Both cover one user on three computers, and applicable tax is added to the final price. Academic licences have separate eligibility and duration rules.
Choose Try Free for the fully functional 10-day Mac or Windows trial. FontLab links tutorials and GetGo Fonts that provide editable example projects. If you only need format conversion, its separate TransType application is a narrower purchase than the full editor.
Strengths
- Runs on Windows and Mac.
- Covers font drawing and production tasks.
Watch out for
- The free trial ends after 10 days.
- Starter access expires after 97 days; lifetime access requires Pro.
Best for
- Designers preparing production font files.
- Teams needing a Windows font editor.
Sources
- FontLab products (Oct 27, 2026)
- FontLab 8 features, trial and licences (Oct 27, 2026)