The Free TrueType Font Editor DoubleType Software is an open source font editor that builds TrueType font file. The program is written in Java,  which means it runs on all platforms supported by Java, including Macintosh, Windows and the Linux.

The Free Font Maker is surely designed with flexibility in mind. Unlike other programs that work on a single binary file, DoubleType stores each glyph in a separate text file thus can aid creativity in a lot more substantial way. The tool allows efficient glyph design by combining existing glyphs and modules. The software is capable of exporting TTF files that can be viewed with the systems font viewer.

The original motive was to create an open source, TrueType Japanese typefaces. So in order to achieve that goal, it was clear that there is  need for an efficient, cross-platform typeface designer, that accomodates team development of a typeface and Doubletype was born to meet the growning needs. Although the Free Font Editor DoubleType  is open source, the copyright of typefaces created by the user belongs to the user.  If you are going to make typeface and distribute it, think about adopting licenses such as the GPL and the BSD license.

Before installing on a machine you must make sure that you have the Sun’s Java Runtime Environment 1.4 or above, and if you don’t, then you should consider downloading and installing it, before the install of the Free Font Editor, so it can function properly. Needless to say though (as many of you might know), the software is still in its early stage of development, which is why, the typeface designer is still incomplete. The development alpha is released mainly for general feedback and bug related issues.

The Free TrueType Font Editor DoubleType Software  includes basic features such as copy and paste. The graphic interface looked  simple and neat to the eyes. The recent release of the software (0.2.3.61),  fixes a bug that caused fonts to be monospaced incorrectly. This release also includes a sample typeface for the user.

Overall,  it can be said that this Free TrueType Editor is still in its infancy with very limited features for the user, but if you need a very basic compact true type font creator to work with, then this may be just the right one for your needs! You can Download Font Making Software DoubleType Free.

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