Import Multi-Layered Vectors into FontForge

Importing multi-layered vector graphics into FontForge allows type designers to create complex glyphs, maintain reference sketches, or build chromatic (multi-color) OpenType fonts. This guide explains how to properly configure FontForge’s layer settings, prepare your vector files in external software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, and import multi-layered vector elements cleanly into your glyph slots.

1. Configure FontForge for Multiple Layers

By default, FontForge operates in a standard two-layer mode consisting of a Back (background/reference) layer and a Fore (foreground/outline) layer. To support multiple visible, exportable layers for color or Type 3 fonts:

  1. Open your project in FontForge.
  2. Go to Element in the top menu and select Font Info.
  3. In the sidebar, click on Layers.
  4. Change the font type from the default mode to Multi-Layered Font (or add custom layers if you are only organizing outlines internally).
  5. Click OK to apply the changes.

Open the Layers palette via Window > Layers if it is not already visible. You will now see the ability to manage individual layers for each glyph.

2. Prepare Your Vector Artwork

FontForge works best with Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Before importing, ensure your vector assets meet the following criteria:

  • Convert Strokes to Fills: Expand all strokes into filled paths. FontForge works primarily with closed bezier outlines.
  • Convert Text to Outlines: Ensure no live text exists in the graphic.
  • Remove Clipping Masks and Effects: Delete gradients, raster effects, blend modes, and clipping paths, as font outline formats cannot interpret them directly.
  • Separation Method:
    • Option A (Combined File): Keep each layer grouped or colored distinctly within a single SVG. FontForge can parse individual paths into separate layers in multi-layer mode.
    • Option B (Separate SVG Files): Export each layer as an individual SVG canvas (e.g., glyph_layer1.svg, glyph_layer2.svg) sharing the exact same artboard dimensions. This method provides the highest placement accuracy.

3. Import the Vector Graphics

Depending on how you prepared your vectors, use one of the following methods:

Method A: Direct Multi-Layer SVG Import

  1. Double-click the target glyph cell in the Font View to open the Glyph Outline Window.
  2. Go to File > Import.
  3. In the format dropdown, select SVG.
  4. Check the options box to ensure vector geometry is imported.
  5. Select your combined SVG file and click Import.
  6. FontForge will read the paths and assign them to separate sub-layers or strokes within the multi-layered glyph workspace.
  1. Double-click the target glyph cell to open the Glyph Outline Window.
  2. In the Layers palette, select or create the first target layer (e.g., your base shape).
  3. Navigate to File > Import, choose SVG, select the file corresponding to that specific layer, and click Import.
  4. In the Layers palette, create a new layer or click on the next target layer.
  5. Repeat File > Import for the subsequent vector file.
  6. Because both vector assets share identical artboard coordinates, the layers will align automatically inside the glyph coordinate system.

4. Clean and Validate the Geometry

After importing, clean up the vector paths to avoid font generation errors:

  1. Select all paths on a layer (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A).
  2. Go to Element > Correct Direction to ensure all contour winding directions are set properly for font rendering.
  3. Run Element > Remove Overlap if internal intersections exist within the same layer.
  4. Go to Points > Round to Int to snap all floating-point coordinates to whole font units. Repeat this process for every layer used in the glyph.