Exporting AI to Font Maker: A Quick Guide for Designers
Adobe Illustrator and font-making software are commonly used tools in the design industry. Many designers often create custom fonts using Illustrator and then export them to a font-making software for further refinement. However, the process of exporting AI to a font maker can be a bit tricky for those who are new to it. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step guide on how to export AI to a font maker for creating custom fonts.
Step 1: Design Your Font in Adobe Illustrator
Before you export your font to a font maker, you need to design it in Adobe Illustrator. Use the pen tool, shape tools, and other drawing tools to create all the characters and glyphs that you want to include in your font. Make sure to work within the guidelines and grids to ensure that the characters are aligned and consistent in size.
Step 2: Group and Name Your Characters
Once you have designed all the characters, group each of them separately and give them meaningful names. This will help in identifying each character when you import them into the font-making software.
Step 3: Convert to Outlines
Before exporting the characters to a font maker, it’s essential to convert them to outlines. Select all the characters, and then go to Type > Create Outlines. This will convert the characters from editable text to vector shapes, which is required for font creation.
Step 4: Save the Characters as an SVG, EPS, or PDF File
After converting the characters to outlines, save each character as an individual SVG, EPS, or PDF file. Make sure to save them in a high resolution to ensure that the details are preserved when imported into the font-making software.
Step 5: Import the Characters into the Font Maker
Now that you have saved the characters as individual files, it’s time to import them into the font-making software. The process may vary depending on the font-making software you are using, but generally, you will have an option to import your characters as glyphs or shapes.
Step 6: Fine-tune Your Font
Once the characters are imported into the font maker, you can start fine-tuning your font. Adjust the spacing, kerning, and other characteristics to ensure that the font looks cohesive and professional. You can also add additional characters, ligatures, and special symbols if needed.
Step 7: Export Your Font File
After you have fine-tuned your font, it’s time to export it as a font file. Most font-making software will have an option to export your font as a .otf or .ttf file, which are the standard font file formats used across various platforms.
By following these steps, you can successfully export AI to a font maker and create your custom font. Whether you are designing a display font, a script font, or a hand-drawn font, the process remains similar. With practice and experimentation, you can master the art of exporting AI to a font maker and unleash your creativity in the world of typography.
