The innovative SVG font format has come in with full force to shake up traditional font formats. Let's take a look at what this is all about!
There hasn't been much change in the font format world in a few years, so when SVG font files came in, they took the world of design by storm. SVG font glyphs contain so many more attributes than regular fonts, and we'll talk about what an SVG font is in this article. We'll also touch on how to make SVG fonts, how to install SVG fonts, and how to use an SVG font. Ready to jump in?
If you're looking for some awesome SVG font examples, check out Envato Elements and GraphicRiver for some beautiful SVG fonts and SVG calligraphy fonts.
What Is an SVG Font?
An SVG font is a new version of the OpenType format, with SVG standing for Scalable Vector Graphics. The SVG glyph format allows the characters to be displayed in multiple colors and different transparencies, and some may even be animated. These attributes are not supported by regular OTF and TTF formats.
OpenType SVG fonts are also known as color fonts. One difference between regular fonts and SVG fonts is the file size. The SVG font files are embedded with so much information that instead of dealing with kilobytes, it’s megabytes.
SVG fonts are particularly useful when designing with brush-inspired fonts. You’ll notice watercolor effects contain semi-transparent areas. Here are a couple of examples of fonts with multiple transparent sections.
Querins SVG Brush Font
A perfect example of multiple transparencies is a font inspired by brush strokes. This SVG font example is created from an authentic brush, so it has that hand-crafted feel. The font is perfectly suited for editorial design, signage, and even logos.
Cardus Brush SVG Font
Another SVG font example that contains multiple transparencies and lots of texture is Cardus Brush. This thick style is achieved by using hands to paint each SVG font glyph. This SVG font is bold and perfect if you're looking to create some striking designs.
The SVG font format also allows SVG font glyphs to contain multiple colors. This means that each character contains more than one color, for instance:
Futuristico SVG Color Font
This SVG font example contains gradients and multiple colors in a single SVG font glyph. Geometric and complex, this is suitable as a display font for any type of editorial design work. You can create a customized color by exploring Adobe Photoshop.
Corn Fruit Loops SVG Color Font
In need of a food-themed SVG font? The Corn Fruit Loops font is the perfect concept for typographic food. If you're wondering how to change the color in Photoshop to create a sort of a custom font in SVG, keep reading below. You can change the color of the fruit loops to any palette you'd like.
How to Install SVG Fonts
If you’re wondering how to install SVG fonts, you can do so as you would a normal font. Most download files will be contained in a .zip, so proceed to unzip the folder. OpenType-SVG fonts have the same file extensions as normal fonts, .ttf and .otf. For Mac, double-click on either of these, and the Font Book will pop up. Click on Install Font and it’s ready to be used!
If you're wondering how to install SVG fonts on Windows 10, for instance, you can do so through the Control Panel or any font manager of your choice. The fonts will be displayed the same way as the rest of the fonts, in solid black.
SVG fonts are currently supported by iOS 12, macOS Mojave, and Windows 10. Currently, you can use these fonts from the following versions and above: Illustrator CC 22.0.0, Photoshop CC 18.0, and InDesign CC 13.0.1. The only web browsers supporting SVG fonts are Safari and iOS Safari.
How to Use SVG Fonts in Photoshop
The font I’ll be using to show you how to use SVG fonts in Photoshop is Bluesky SVG Font and comes in shades of blue. This SVG font script has an amazing 3D look because of the shadows included in each SVG font glyph.
In Photoshop, select the Text Tool (T), create a text box on the page, and add your content. On the toolbar, select the SVG font of your choice. You’ll notice that the logo on the right side of the dropdown menu displays the OTF logo with a small SVG logo.
To change the color of this particular font, head over to the Layers panel. Right-click on the text layer and select Blending Options. In the pop-up window, check the Color Overlay option and click on it to open the settings. Set the Blend Mode to Color, click on the color swatch, and choose the color of your choice. I'll change the color to orange to make the SVG font bolder. Click OK.
What about if you have a font with multiple colors? For this example of how to use SVG fonts in Photoshop, we'll be using Color Paper Color Fonts. The designer wanted to make the SVG font appear as if it has multiple layers. The result is an amazing mix of multiple dimensions and colors.
For fonts with multiple colors like Color Paper 3D, you have the option to use the method we described before. That method will allow you to coat the characters with shades of one color.
If you’re looking to maintain the variety of colors that come with the font, head over to the Layers panel. Click on Create a New Fill or Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation. Press the Option key and click on the new layer to create a Clipping Mask. Head over to the Properties panel, where you can change the color by sliding the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness options.
If you’re looking to get more specific, click on the Master dropdown menu and select each color. Tweak each one with the sliders underneath.
How to Create Font Icons From SVG
Icon fonts are mainly used as web fonts because the icons are scalable CSS properties like different colors, and shadows can be applied. All of this can be done with a better speed performance as the icons load faster. The only disadvantage is due to the many different web browsers, meaning that smoothing of the icons is unreliable. There are plenty of free and paid tools online that can help you convert SVG files to font icons like IcoMoon and Fontello.
To create the font icons, make sure you have the files saved as SVG from Photoshop or Illustrator. In IcoMoon, import the SVG files, select the icons you want to generate, and click on Generate Font.
You’ll be able to rename each file, and you can proceed to download them. You'll also be able to get the code to use on your website. You can also create a font file from SVG with this same method and have your own custom font in SVG.
If you are wondering how to convert SVG files to fonts, the process is exactly the same. Draw each character in vector or bitmap format, using Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. You can use the same applications as above or paid software like Glyphs, professional font editing software that lets you import SVG files to create each font character. Now you're ready to make SVG fonts!
Envato Elements Assets: SVG Font Library
SVG fonts are mainly used as display SVG fonts rather than body text. That’s because they hold special information that will help your text stand out. These fonts are flashier and visually complex—that’s why they contain so many attributes. Use them in signage, logos, posters, headlines, book covers, etc. We’ve gathered some really awesome options from Envato Elements that we think you should check out:
Hamilton SVG Font Collection
Looking for SVG monogram fonts? Search no more! This pack contains SVG font's boldest options. You'll receive a serif, sans serif, and script fonts. The fonts have a hand-crafted feel, and they're suitable for classic and vintage brands.
Bouqet Flower & Watercolor SVG Font
Each SVG font glyph is perfectly unique in this set. The font has two versions, one with real flowers and one with a watercolor effect. If you don't have the latest Photoshop version, you'll receive the PSD file so you can use the individual characters. This SVG font is bold and will stand out anywhere you use it.
Astute & Dude SVG Font & Solid
Looking for an awesome hand-painted brush font? Each SVG font glyph is high-resolution, and the strokes on the characters overlap, adding a nice texture and depth. This font is so authentic to the human hand that people won't know it's an SVG file.
Aston Vintage Color Font
If you're branding a project and want to create an outstanding mark, Aston Vintage would make a great SVG monogram font. The decorative font has an old-fashioned and super ornamental look, suitable for a whiskey brand or a brand that prides itself in being trusted.
Light Shutter SVG Font
This modern SVG calligraphy font is beautifully designed. The SVG format allows it to have a watercolor effect, so it's perfect for wedding invitations if you want something cost-effective. The pack comes with many glyphs that help your design look natural.
Thinks OpenType SVG Font
To step away from watercolor, this SVG font is a bold move because it uses oil paint. The SVG glyphs have a thicker consistency, even in the texture. The high-resolution brush strokes make it look hyper-realistic. This experimental font is suitable for digital lettering, packaging, and much more!
Simbox Geometric Font
Simbox is an awesome example of how SVG font designs can be applied. This sans serif SVG font is a bold style with its geometric shapes. The color elements just make the whole thing pop, making the font out of the ordinary, eccentric, and perfect for display designs.
10 Color SVG Fonts Library
Need lots of options in your SVG font library? This is the ultimate pack to have in your arsenal. There are ten fonts included with different themes, from a sandy beach to coin-inspired forms and different fabric textures.
Snowy Winter Floral SVG Color Font
Designers are taking full advantage of thematic SVG font formats. This SVG font is bold and delicate at the same time. The typeforms are bold but sit on the background and are adorned with beautiful winter flowers. Use this SVG font for your next Christmas card!
Monopixel Awesome
Check out this awesome font style! This reimagining of the classic monospace font is innovative and includes multiple colored pixels that make out each SVG font glyph. This colorful font is fun and cute—ready for the next gaming event?
What Are Your Favorite SVG Fonts?
SVG fonts are the latest advance in the font format world, which had stayed pretty quiet for a while. This push forward for fonts resulted in more dynamic and interactive fonts that can create even more striking designs.
In this article, we covered what an SVG font is, how to create font files from SVG files, how to create font icons from SVG, and how to use an SVG font. Those are all the basics you need to dive in and get on the SVG bandwagon. They are a pretty great option if you want to take your design to the next level! Let us know in the comment section below: what are your favorite SVG fonts?
If you're pressed for time and you're looking for some high-quality SVG fonts, be sure to check out Envato Elements and GraphicRiver for some superb SVG glyphs and SVG color fonts. Looking for free SVG fonts? Check out FontSpace's SVG font library—they've got great options there!
AccessibilityAccessible SVG: Methods for Adding Alternative Content
SVGHow to Make an Animated Beating Heart with SVG
SVGHow to Easily Animate SVGs With SVGator
TypographyHow to Design and Construct a Functional Cursive Font
FontsWhat Is a Monospaced Font?
FontsWhat Are Variable Fonts?
No comments:
Post a Comment