Create Fonts In Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you're looking to spice up your digital art with personalized typography, huh? Awesome! Learning how to create fonts on Procreate can seriously elevate your creative projects. Forget generic typefaces – imagine crafting lettering that’s uniquely you. This guide will break down the process, making it easy (and fun!) to design fonts that truly stand out. Let's dive in, guys!

1. Understanding Font Basics for Procreate

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of Procreate, let's get a grip on some font fundamentals. Understanding these basics will give you a solid foundation and help you make informed decisions when designing your own fonts. When diving into how to create fonts on Procreate, it's essential to know that fonts are more than just collections of letters; they're carefully designed systems. Think about the different parts of a letter – the ascenders, descenders, x-height, and serifs. These elements contribute to the overall look and feel of a font. Experimenting with these components in Procreate can result in a font that’s perfectly tailored to your style. Consider the contrast between thick and thin strokes, the overall weight of the font (light, regular, bold), and the spacing between letters (kerning). These factors drastically impact readability and visual appeal. Don't be afraid to sketch out different letterforms and variations before committing to a final design. Look at existing fonts for inspiration, but always strive to put your unique spin on things. Remember, the best fonts are those that reflect your personal style and creative vision. By mastering the basics, you’ll be well on your way to designing fonts that not only look great but also enhance your artwork. So, grab your Apple Pencil and let's get started!

2. Setting Up Your Procreate Canvas for Font Design

Alright, let's get practical! Setting up your Procreate canvas correctly is crucial for ensuring your font designs are precise and consistent. When starting to figure out how to create fonts on Procreate, the canvas size matters. A larger canvas (e.g., 4000x4000 pixels) gives you more room to work and allows for finer details. But remember, a super high resolution might slow down Procreate, especially on older iPads. Find a balance that works for you. Enabling the drawing guide is a game-changer. Go to Actions > Canvas > Drawing Guide and turn it on. Then, tap “Edit Drawing Guide” to customize the grid. A consistent grid will help you maintain uniform letter heights and spacing, which is essential for a professional-looking font. Experiment with different grid sizes to see what works best for your desired font style. Some designers prefer a square grid, while others find a more detailed grid with subdivisions more helpful. Using layers effectively is also vital. Create separate layers for different parts of each letter (e.g., stems, curves, serifs). This allows you to easily adjust individual elements without affecting the rest of the letterform. Label your layers clearly to keep things organized – trust me, you'll thank yourself later! Also, consider creating a template layer with guidelines for your x-height, ascender height, and descender depth. This will ensure consistency across all your letters. Remember, the goal is to create a digital workspace that supports precision and efficiency. A well-organized canvas will make the entire font design process smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Designing Basic Letterforms in Procreate

Now for the fun part – designing the letters themselves! Start with the basic letterforms, like 'H', 'O', and 'N'. These letters contain fundamental shapes and strokes that you can adapt for other characters. When considering how to create fonts on Procreate, focusing on these core letters first is a smart move. Use the drawing tools in Procreate to sketch out your letterforms. The monoline brush is a good starting point for creating consistent stroke weights. Experiment with different brush sizes and opacity levels to achieve the desired effect. Don't be afraid to zoom in and refine your lines – precision is key. Think about the overall style you're aiming for. Is it a clean, modern sans-serif, or a more ornate serif font? Let your chosen style guide your design decisions. Pay attention to the proportions of each letter. The height, width, and spacing should be visually balanced. Use your drawing guide to ensure consistency across all characters. Remember, consistency is what makes a font look professional and cohesive. Once you're happy with the basic letterforms, you can start creating variations and adding unique details. Experiment with different stroke endings, serifs, and decorative elements. Don't be afraid to get creative and push the boundaries of traditional typography. The beauty of designing your own fonts is that you have complete control over the creative process. So, let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with!

4. Refining Curves and Lines for Smoothness

One of the biggest challenges in font design is achieving smooth, clean curves and lines. Procreate offers several tools and techniques to help you refine your letterforms and eliminate any unwanted jaggedness. When mastering how to create fonts on Procreate, understanding these tools is essential. The StreamLine feature is your best friend. It smooths out your strokes in real-time, making it easier to create flowing curves. You can adjust the StreamLine amount in the Brush Studio to find the perfect balance between smoothness and responsiveness. Experiment with different settings to see what works best for your drawing style. Another useful technique is to use the Selection tool to isolate specific areas of your letterforms and then use the Liquify tool to subtly adjust their shape. This allows you to fine-tune curves and lines without having to redraw them completely. The Liquify tool can also be used to add subtle variations and imperfections, which can give your font a more organic and hand-drawn feel. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much distortion can make your letters look unnatural. When refining your letterforms, it's important to zoom in and examine your lines closely. Look for any sharp corners, uneven curves, or inconsistencies in stroke weight. Use the Eraser tool to carefully smooth out any rough edges. Remember, attention to detail is what separates amateur fonts from professional ones. Don't be afraid to spend time refining your curves and lines until they are perfectly smooth and visually appealing.

5. Adding Serifs and Details to Your Font

Serifs are those little decorative strokes at the ends of letters, and they can dramatically change the look and feel of your font. Adding serifs and other details is a great way to add personality and character to your designs. When delving into how to create fonts on Procreate, consider that serif fonts tend to have a more traditional and formal appearance, while sans-serif fonts are generally considered more modern and clean. Experiment with different serif styles to see what works best for your font. You can create bracketed serifs (which have a curved transition between the serif and the stem) or unbracketed serifs (which have a more abrupt transition). The shape and size of your serifs can also have a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your font. In addition to serifs, consider adding other details to your letters, such as swashes, ligatures, or decorative elements. Swashes are extended strokes that add flair and elegance to certain letters, while ligatures are special characters that combine two or more letters into a single glyph. These details can add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to your font. When adding details to your font, it's important to maintain consistency and balance. Don't overdo it with too many decorative elements, as this can make your font look cluttered and overwhelming. Choose a few key details that complement the overall style of your font and use them sparingly. Remember, the goal is to enhance the visual appeal of your font without sacrificing readability.

6. Creating Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

Designing both uppercase and lowercase letters is essential for creating a complete and versatile font. While uppercase letters are often used for headings and titles, lowercase letters are the workhorses of body text. When considering how to create fonts on Procreate, think about the relationship between your uppercase and lowercase letters. They should complement each other in terms of style, weight, and proportions. Start by designing your uppercase letters first, as they tend to be more visually dominant. Use your basic letterforms as a starting point and then create variations for each uppercase character. Pay attention to the height and width of your uppercase letters, as these will influence the overall appearance of your font. Once you're happy with your uppercase letters, you can move on to designing your lowercase letters. The x-height (the height of the lowercase 'x') is a crucial factor in determining the readability of your font. A larger x-height generally makes a font easier to read, while a smaller x-height can give it a more elegant and refined look. When designing your lowercase letters, pay attention to the ascenders (the parts of letters that extend above the x-height, such as 'b', 'd', and 'h') and the descenders (the parts of letters that extend below the baseline, such as 'g', 'j', and 'y'). The length and shape of your ascenders and descenders can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your font. Remember, the key is to create a harmonious balance between your uppercase and lowercase letters.

7. Number and Symbol Design

Don't forget about numbers and symbols! A complete font includes not only letters but also a full set of numbers, punctuation marks, and other symbols. When figuring out how to create fonts on Procreate, it is important to consider these additional characters to make your font truly useful. Numbers should be designed to match the style and proportions of your letters. Pay attention to the height and width of your numbers, as well as the thickness of their strokes. Consider whether you want your numbers to be proportional (where each number has a different width) or tabular (where all numbers have the same width). Tabular numbers are often preferred for financial documents and other applications where alignment is important. Punctuation marks and symbols should also be designed to complement the overall style of your font. Pay attention to the shape and size of your punctuation marks, as well as their placement relative to the letters. Consider whether you want your punctuation marks to be more formal or more casual. In addition to the standard set of punctuation marks, you may also want to include other symbols in your font, such as currency symbols, mathematical symbols, or dingbats. These symbols can add versatility and functionality to your font. Remember, the goal is to create a complete and cohesive font that includes all the characters that your users will need. Don't overlook the importance of numbers and symbols in making your font truly useful and versatile.

8. Kerning and Spacing Adjustment

Kerning and spacing are crucial for ensuring that your font is readable and visually appealing. Kerning refers to the adjustment of the space between individual pairs of letters, while spacing refers to the overall amount of space between all letters in a word. When thinking about how to create fonts on Procreate, keep in mind that proper kerning and spacing are essential for creating a professional-looking font. Start by setting the overall spacing of your font. The goal is to create a consistent and even amount of space between all letters. You can use the horizontal scale tool in Procreate to adjust the width of your letters, which will affect the overall spacing. Once you're happy with the overall spacing, you can start kerning individual pairs of letters. Some letter combinations, such as 'AV' or 'WA', may require more or less space than others. Use the Selection tool to isolate specific pairs of letters and then use the Move tool to adjust their position relative to each other. Pay attention to the visual appearance of the letters. The goal is to create an even and balanced amount of space between them. Don't be afraid to experiment with different kerning values until you find what looks best. Kerning can be a time-consuming process, but it's well worth the effort. Proper kerning and spacing will make your font more readable and visually appealing.

9. Testing Your Font in Different Sizes

Once you've designed your font, it's important to test it in different sizes to ensure that it looks good and is readable at all scales. A font that looks great at 72 points may not be as legible at 12 points. When figuring out how to create fonts on Procreate, testing your font at various sizes is an important step in the design process. Create a document in Procreate and type out some sample text using your font. Then, zoom in and out to see how your font looks at different sizes. Pay attention to the overall appearance of the letters, as well as their readability. Look for any areas where the letters become too crowded or too thin. If you notice any problems, you can go back and make adjustments to your font. You may need to adjust the stroke weight, spacing, or kerning to improve the legibility of your font at smaller sizes. It's also a good idea to test your font in different applications. Import your font into a word processor, graphic design program, or web browser and see how it looks in those environments. Different applications may render fonts differently, so it's important to test your font in a variety of contexts. Remember, the goal is to create a font that is versatile and readable at all sizes. Testing your font in different sizes is an essential step in ensuring that it meets those criteria.

10. Exporting Your Font from Procreate

Unfortunately, Procreate isn't designed for direct font exporting. You'll need to transfer your letter designs to a font-making program on your computer. This might sound daunting, but it's a necessary step in the how to create fonts on Procreate process. Export each letterform as a separate image file (PNG or JPG) from Procreate. Make sure the images are high resolution to avoid pixelation when you import them into your font-making software. Apps like Calligraphr (web-based) or Glyphs (desktop software) are popular choices. These programs allow you to import your letter images, trace them, and then generate a usable font file (usually in .OTF or .TTF format). Each program has its own workflow, so consult their respective tutorials for specific instructions. While it adds a step, this ensures your font is functional across various platforms and programs.

11. Choosing the Right Font-Making Software

As mentioned above, you'll need dedicated font-making software to turn your Procreate designs into a usable font. Figuring out the intricacies of how to create fonts on Procreate means accepting that you need external tools. Calligraphr is a great option for beginners, as it's web-based and relatively easy to use. You simply print out a template, draw your letters within the boxes, scan it back in, and upload it to the website. Calligraphr then converts your drawings into a font file. Glyphs is a more powerful and professional-grade option. It's desktop-based and offers a wider range of features and customization options. Glyphs is ideal for designers who want to create complex and sophisticated fonts. Other options include FontLab Studio and RoboFont. The best choice for you will depend on your budget, skill level, and the complexity of the fonts you want to create. Consider starting with a free trial of a few different programs to see which one you prefer. Each program has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to find one that fits your workflow and creative style. Remember, the software is just a tool. The most important thing is your creativity and design skills.

12. Importing Your Procreate Designs into Font Software

Once you've chosen your font-making software, the next step is to import your Procreate designs. This process will vary depending on the software you're using, but the general idea is the same. Now that you know how to create fonts on Procreate and export the designs, it’s time to make it workable. In most programs, you'll start by creating a new font project. Then, you'll import your individual letter images into the corresponding glyph slots. Each glyph slot represents a specific character in your font (e.g., uppercase A, lowercase b, number 1). Make sure to import your letters in the correct order and assign them to the appropriate glyph slots. Some programs may offer automatic tracing features, which can help you convert your raster images into vector outlines. Vector outlines are essential for creating high-quality fonts that can be scaled without losing sharpness. If your software doesn't offer automatic tracing, you may need to manually trace your letters using the pen tool. This can be a time-consuming process, but it's important to ensure that your letterforms are accurate and consistent. Once you've imported and traced all of your letters, you can start refining their shapes and adjusting their spacing.

13. Tracing and Vectorizing Your Letterforms

Turning your raster-based Procreate designs into vector graphics is a crucial step in the font-making process. Vector graphics are scalable without losing quality, which is essential for creating fonts that look good at any size. After understanding how to create fonts on Procreate and getting them onto your computer, tracing and vectorizing should be your priority. As mentioned earlier, some font-making software offers automatic tracing features. These features can be a huge time-saver, but they're not always perfect. You may need to manually refine the outlines generated by the automatic tracing tool. If your software doesn't offer automatic tracing, you'll need to manually trace your letterforms using the pen tool. This can be a more challenging and time-consuming process, but it gives you more control over the final result. When tracing your letterforms, pay attention to the details. Try to capture the nuances of your original designs as accurately as possible. Use smooth curves and clean lines to create professional-looking outlines. Once you've traced all of your letterforms, you can start adjusting their anchor points and control handles to refine their shapes. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

14. Adjusting Baseline, X-Height, and Cap Height

These are fundamental typographic measurements that affect the overall appearance and readability of your font. The baseline is the imaginary line on which the letters sit. The x-height is the height of the lowercase 'x', and the cap height is the height of the uppercase letters. When diving into how to create fonts on Procreate and digitizing them, these adjustments are vital. Setting the correct baseline, x-height, and cap height is essential for creating a font that looks balanced and harmonious. The x-height is particularly important, as it affects the legibility of your font. A larger x-height generally makes a font easier to read, while a smaller x-height can give it a more elegant and refined look. The relationship between the x-height and the cap height is also important. The cap height should be proportionally larger than the x-height, but not too much larger. Experiment with different ratios to find what looks best for your font. In most font-making software, you can adjust the baseline, x-height, and cap height using numerical values. You can also visually adjust these measurements by dragging the baseline, x-height line, and cap height line in the font editor window. Remember, the goal is to create a font that looks balanced and harmonious. Adjusting the baseline, x-height, and cap height is an essential step in achieving that goal.

15. Creating Font Metadata (Name, Version, Copyright)

Font metadata is the information that is embedded within the font file, such as the font name, version number, copyright information, and designer information. While mastering how to create fonts on Procreate is about the design, this information allows users to identify and use your font correctly. This information is important for several reasons. First, it allows users to identify and distinguish your font from other fonts. Second, it protects your intellectual property rights. Third, it provides information about the font's history and development. In most font-making software, you can enter the font metadata in the font info panel. Be sure to include the following information: Font name: Choose a unique and descriptive name for your font. Version number: Start with version 1.0 and increment the version number each time you make significant changes to the font. Copyright information: Include your name or company name and the copyright year. Designer information: Include your name and contact information. You may also want to include a description of your font and its intended use. Creating font metadata is an essential step in the font-making process. It ensures that your font is properly identified and protected.

16. Generating Font Files (OTF, TTF)

The final step in the font-making process is to generate the font files. The two most common font file formats are OTF (OpenType Font) and TTF (TrueType Font). After all the hard work of learning how to create fonts on Procreate, this step makes it real. OTF fonts are generally preferred because they support more advanced typographic features, such as ligatures, kerning pairs, and stylistic alternates. TTF fonts are older and have more limited features, but they are still widely supported. In most font-making software, you can generate font files by going to the File menu and selecting Export Font. You'll be prompted to choose the font file format (OTF or TTF) and the output directory. You may also be able to customize other settings, such as the font embedding options. Once you've generated the font files, you can install them on your computer and use them in your favorite applications. You can also distribute your font files to others, either for free or for a fee. Remember, it is very important to choose the right format.

17. Installing Your Font on Your iPad

Okay, so you've made your font, exported it, and now you want to use it on your iPad, right? Well, since you started designing with how to create fonts on Procreate, let’s see how to use them on your device. Getting your newly created font onto your iPad isn't as straightforward as installing an app, but it's totally doable. You'll need a font installation app. There are several available on the App Store, like iFont or AnyFont. Download one of these. Then, you'll need to get the font file (.OTF or .TTF) onto your iPad. The easiest way is usually through cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive. Upload the font file to your cloud storage on your computer. On your iPad, open the font installation app and connect it to your cloud storage. Navigate to your font file and select it. The app will then guide you through the installation process. Once installed, the font should be available for use in apps that support custom fonts, like Procreate, Pages, and Keynote. Keep in mind that some apps may not support custom fonts. If you don't see your font listed in the font selection menu, it's likely that the app doesn't support custom fonts.

18. Using Your Custom Font in Procreate Projects

Now for the really fun part! Using your very own font in your Procreate creations. You invested time in learning how to create fonts on Procreate and this is where it pays off. Open Procreate and create a new canvas or open an existing project. Tap the wrench icon to open the Actions menu. Select