Font Creator for Adobe Illustrator
Client
GLA GFX
A native Illustrator extension that eliminates the multi-tool font creation workflow — draw letterforms, assign glyphs, and export production-ready OpenType fonts without leaving the app.
The Journey
Phase 1
Extension Architecture & Illustrator Integration
We built the CEP extension shell and embedded it as a native panel inside Illustrator, matching the host application's dark UI so it feels like a built-in feature. The ExtendScript bridge connects the panel to Illustrator's document object model for real-time artwork access.
- Native CEP panel integrated seamlessly into Illustrator with matching dark theme
- ExtendScript bridge for real-time communication with the host application
- Character assignment UI supporting 100+ glyph slots with drag-and-drop mapping
- Compatibility layer ensuring consistent behaviour across CC 2019 through CC 2025
Phase 2
Path Processing & Coordinate Transforms
The core engineering challenge: Illustrator and font files use fundamentally different coordinate systems. We built a transform pipeline that reads raw vector paths, flips and scales them into font-space coordinates, and automatically corrects winding direction so filled and counter shapes render properly.
- Coordinate transform engine converting Illustrator space to font-space units automatically
- Winding direction correction ensuring proper fill rendering for all glyph shapes
- Compound path detection resolving interior cutouts in letters like O, B, D, and e
- Metric calculations for ascender, descender, baseline, and cap height derived from artwork
Phase 3
Font Compilation & Export
The final phase assembles a standards-compliant OpenType font file using opentype.js. Each glyph is constructed with correct advance widths, sidebearings, and path data. A live preview renders the assembled typeface in the panel so designers can spot issues before exporting.
- One-click OTF export producing standards-compliant OpenType font files
- Live in-panel typeface preview for visual verification before export
- Correct font table generation including cmap, OS/2, and name tables
- Cross-platform rendering verified on Windows, macOS, major browsers, and design software
Results
0
Illustrator versions supported
0+
Characters per typeface
0 weeks
Delivered in
0
External tools required
Eliminated the multi-tool workflow entirely — designers produce finished fonts without leaving Illustrator
Automated coordinate transforms, path corrections, and metric calculations that previously required manual intervention per glyph
Lowered the barrier to custom type design — accessible to lettering artists without specialised typographic engineering knowledge
Exported OpenType files meet industry standards and render correctly across operating systems, browsers, and design applications
Seven major Illustrator versions supported — CC 2019 through 2025, ensuring long-term reliability
Screenshots
Start a project
Have something in mind?
Whether it's a new website, a custom software system, or a brand refresh — let's talk about how we can help.
Start a Conversation