In this how to, we are going to create a custom font using both Calligraphr and Procreate. It’s simple and a great way to get familiar with type design.

But first, What is Font and Typeface?

If you used a computer for any digital device you may have come across words Fonts and Typefaces. Are Fonts and Typefaces same thing? Well, not exactly.

A Typeface is the underlying visual design that can exist in many different typesetting technologies, and a font is one of these implementations. In other words, a typeface is what you see and a font is what you use.

Now let’s design some Fonts! There are few methods of creating fonts, but we are going to be focused on creating a handwriting font using Procreate.

Step 1: Go to Calligraphr.com and create a free account. Once you have created account, follow the steps on the Calligraphr’s page to create a template.

Step 2: Free account has download limit of 60 characters or glyphs per template. You can edit default Minimal English template to create a set you like, such as omitting quotation marks and adding ampersand. To delete, click on desired glyph and follow the direction on the pop up window. To add, click on Arbitrary characters and follow the direction on the pop up window.

Step 3: Download your alphabet template. If you are using an iPad, the .zip file will be downloaded to Files> On my iPad> Downloads. You will need to unzip to access the png template files.

Step 4: Import the png template file to Procreate and draw your letters. I wanted more felt tip pen feel, so I’ll be using Calligraphy brush called Monoline. You can use whatever fits your aesthetic.

In the template, there are 4 thin lines inside the box. Those are guides for create your font. First line is ascent line. This is the top of the capital letters and lowercase letter with ascent such as ‘h’. Next is median line. This is the top of most lowercase letters, such as ‘p’ or ‘e’. Third line, the baseline is the line upon which most letters sit and below which descenders extend. Last is the descent line, where desenders like lowercase ‘q’ or ‘g’ sits. Be aware of these lines when you are filling out your template. Tho having little imperfection is great for having that handwritten feel, we don’t want our descender to disappear or have the top of our capital letters to be cut off.

Step 5: When you are happy with with what you created, export from Procreate as .png and upload the templates back to Calligraphr.

Step 6: Once you upload your .png files, Calligraphr will load them as individual glyphs. You may choose to redraw and re-add any letters or swap out any characters you are not happy with here. To download your font, click on Build Font and follow the direction on the pop up window.

Step 7: In order to use the font you just created, you must install it on Procreate. The font file, .otf file, will be downloaded to Files> On my iPad> Downloads. To install the font on Procreate, copy and past the .oft file to Files > On my iPad > Procreate > Fonts.

Step 8: Enjoy your custom handwriting font!