Uploading a Scanned Template
If you prefer writing on paper, FontCraft lets you download a template, fill it in by hand, and upload the scan. Your handwriting is traced automatically and added to your font project.
Step 1: Download the Template
From the Draw page, open the Template option from the toolbar or the menu.
Choose which glyphs you want to draw and then click "Download" to get a PDF template you can print out.
The template contains boxes for each character, labelled so you know exactly where to write each letter.
Step 2: Fill in the Template
Use your preferred pen or brush. A few things to keep in mind:
- Write inside the boxes. The scanner looks for content within the boundaries. Strokes that cross into adjacent boxes can cause issues.
- Use a dark ink on white paper. Black or very dark blue gives the cleanest results. Avoid felt-tip pens that bleed through the paper.
- Write at a natural size. Don't try to write smaller than you normally would. The template boxes are sized to accommodate typical handwriting.
- Be consistent. Write all letters in one session with the same pen if possible.
Step 3: Scan or Photograph
A flatbed scanner gives the best results: consistent lighting, no distortion, and sharp edges.
A phone camera also works. For good results:
- Photograph in bright, even light (avoid direct sunlight that creates shadows)
- Hold the camera directly above the template, as parallel to the paper as possible
- Make sure all four corners of the template are in frame
- Export as a JPG or PNG at full resolution
Step 4: Upload
From the Draw page, use the Upload template option. Select your scanned image.
Step 5: Process
After pressing "Process all" FontCraft processes the scan, detects each character box, traces the strokes, and fills in the corresponding canvases.
After Uploading
Review each canvas after the upload is complete. Some characters may need touching up, especially letters with fine detail or overlapping strokes. Use the drawing tools to refine any that didn't trace cleanly.
You can also combine the two methods: upload a scan for the bulk of the alphabet, then draw specific characters directly for any that didn't come through well.
