What it does
AFDKO is an open-source command-line toolkit for building, checking and proofing OpenType fonts. Type engineers use it with existing font sources and metadata, including OpenType feature definitions.
AFDKO belongs near the production end of a type-design workflow. Its makeotf tool builds OpenType output from font sources and accompanying metadata. Other tools examine family consistency, remove outline overlaps or generate glyph proofs. When overlap removal processes a UFO source, it writes to a separate layer and leaves the original glyph intact.
Install the package with python -m pip install afdko in a dedicated Python environment. Current commands use the afdko prefix. For example, afdko tx -pdf -1 MyFont.ufo > proof.pdf creates a PDF overview and detailed glyph pages from a UFO font source.
Existing build scripts need attention when moving to the 5.x interface: individual command wrappers are deprecated, and direct makeotfexe calls have moved to addfeatures. Platforms without a prebuilt wheel may also need C/C++ build tools and libuuid. The development branch warns that its substantial modernization can introduce regressions, so check generated fonts when updating a production build.
Strengths
- Building, outline checks and PDF proofing are available in the same toolkit.
- UFO overlap removal can preserve the original outlines in their existing layer.
Watch out for
- Some installations need native build tools in addition to Python.
- The 5.x command changes require updates to older automation scripts.
Best for
- Type engineers maintaining repeatable font builds
- Foundries producing OpenType releases
Sources
- Adobe Font Development Kit for OpenType README (Oct 27, 2026)
- AFDKO License (Oct 27, 2026)
- Adobe Font Development Kit for OpenType Overview (Oct 27, 2026)
- AFDKO Changelog (Oct 27, 2026)