Batch Import Multiple SVGs into FontForge

While FontForge does not allow you to select and import multiple SVG files at once through its standard graphical user interface, you can import them simultaneously using FontForge's built-in scripting capabilities. By utilizing a simple Python script, you can automatically map an entire directory of SVG glyphs to their corresponding character slots in a matter of seconds, bypassing the tedious process of importing files one by one.

The GUI Limitation

In the standard FontForge interface, navigating to File > Import only allows you to select a single vector file for the currently selected glyph slot. If you highlight multiple glyph slots in the font view, the import dialog remains restricted to a single file selection. Consequently, native batch importing via the visual interface is not supported.

The Solution: Python Scripting

FontForge includes a robust Python module that allows full automation of font creation, including batch outline imports. To import multiple SVGs simultaneously, name your SVG files according to their unicode value, character name, or decimal code, and run a script to process the folder.

1. Name Your SVG Files

For the smoothest automated import, name your SVG files based on their Unicode character or hexadecimal representation. For example:

  • uni0041.svg (for uppercase "A")
  • uni0042.svg (for uppercase "B")
  • Alternatively, name them simply as the character itself (e.g., A.svg, B.svg).

2. Run the Import Script

Open FontForge, create or open your font file, and go to File > Execute Script. Paste the following script, making sure to update the directory path to match the location of your SVG files:

import fontforge
import os

# Path to the folder containing your SVG files
svg_folder = "/path/to/your/svg/folder"

# Get the currently open font in FontForge
font = fontforge.activeFont()

for filename in os.listdir(svg_folder):
    if filename.endswith(".svg"):
        # Extracts glyph name from filename (e.g., "uni0041" from "uni0041.svg")
        glyph_name = os.path.splitext(filename)[0]
        
        # Create or select the glyph slot
        glyph = font.createChar(-1, glyph_name)
        
        # Import the SVG outline
        filepath = os.path.join(svg_folder, filename)
        glyph.importOutlines(filepath)

print("Batch import completed.")

3. Command-Line Alternative

If you prefer not to open the GUI at all, you can save the script above as an external .py file and execute it directly from your terminal using FontForge's command-line interface:

fontforge -script import_svgs.py

This method automatically scales, parses, and places all vectors into their designated slots, providing a reliable and rapid way to build a complete typeface from individual vector assets.