Export Individual Glyphs as SVG in FontForge

Exporting individual glyphs as SVG files from FontForge allows you to use your font designs in vector graphic editors, web development, or digital design projects. This guide covers how to export a single glyph directly through FontForge's graphical interface, as well as how to batch export multiple glyphs into SVG format using FontForge’s built-in scripting tool.

Method 1: Export a Single Glyph via GUI

  1. Open Your Font: Launch FontForge and open your font file by navigating to File > Open.
  2. Select the Glyph: Locate the character you want to export in the glyph matrix. Double-click it to open the Glyph Edit Window.
  3. Open the Export Dialog: In the Glyph Edit Window, click on File in the top menu and select Export....
  4. Choose Format:
    • In the export dialog window, locate the file format dropdown menu (often defaulted to EPS or Image formats).
    • Change the format selection to SVG.
  5. Save the File: Choose your desired destination folder, enter a file name for your glyph, and click Save. FontForge will output the standalone vector outline as an .svg file.

Method 2: Batch Export Glyphs Using a Python Script

If you need to export multiple or all glyphs at once, using FontForge’s embedded Python console is the most efficient method.

  1. Open the Scripting Window: With your font open, navigate to File > Execute Script....
  2. Select Python: Choose the Python radio button.
  3. Paste the Script: Enter the following script into the text area:
import fontforge

font = fontforge.activeFont()
for glyph in font.glyphs():
    glyph.export(glyph.glyphname + ".svg")
  1. Execute: Click OK. FontForge will process the font and generate an SVG file for each glyph, saving them into your default working directory named after their respective glyph names.