Already found a typeface that is nearly right? I can modify an existing font to give it a more distinctive character, solve a practical problem or make it work harder for your brand — without starting again with a completely new typeface.

A font modification can be as simple as changing a handful of letters or as extensive as creating new glyphs, weights, styles, language support or OpenType features. It sits neatly between buying a ready-made retail font and commissioning an entirely bespoke typeface.

What is font modification?

Font modification is the process of altering an existing typeface rather than designing a new font from scratch. You might love the overall character of a font but want a different R, a more distinctive ampersand, custom numerals or letterforms that better match your logo. Or the design may be fine but need additional characters, languages, weights or technical features.

What can be changed in a font?

Custom letterforms

Individual letters can be redesigned to give the typeface a more distinctive brand personality, from a single character to a custom set of key letters used frequently in your identity, campaigns or packaging.

Additional glyphs and symbols

I can create additional letters, numerals, punctuation, currency symbols, arrows, icons, brand-specific symbols and accented characters designed to feel like part of the original typeface.

New weights or widths

A font may have the personality you want but not quite the right weight or width. I can explore lighter, heavier, narrower or wider versions while retaining the character of the original design. Suitable projects can also include variable font development.

OpenType features and alternates

I can add stylistic alternates, contextual alternates, ligatures, alternate numerals, swashes, discretionary characters and stylistic sets.

Additional language support

Existing fonts can sometimes be extended with additional accented characters and character sets so the same visual identity can work across more countries and regions.

Technical font modifications

Projects can also include font naming, family naming, character encoding, spacing and kerning, font formats, subsetting, webfont optimisation, OpenType feature development and variable font development.

Turn one of my fonts into your font.

If you have found one of my fonts that suits your brand but want something more individual, I can create a modified version specifically for you. That might mean adapting Pumped Up Kicks, Fierce, Autobahn, Misfitz or another typeface from my collection to suit your visual identity.

Why modify a font instead of commissioning a custom typeface?

If an existing typeface already has the right personality, modifying it can be a faster and more economical route to distinctive brand typography than designing an entirely new family. You keep the qualities that attracted you to the font while changing the elements that do not quite fit.

Font modification may be right for you if:

• You already love an existing font but want it to feel more individual
• Your logo contains customised typography that needs carrying into the wider brand
• Particular letters do not suit your identity
• You need additional characters or symbols
• The font does not support the languages you require
• You need another weight or width
• You want exclusive custom glyphs or alternates
• You want a retail font adapted specifically for a campaign or brand

Retail font, modified font or custom font?

Retail font

Choose an existing typeface, buy the appropriate licence and start using it. Best when you already have exactly what you need.

Modified font

Start with an existing typeface and change selected elements to make it better suited to your brand. Best when the font is nearly right but needs something more distinctive or functional.

Custom font

Create an original typeface specifically for your organisation from the ground up. Best when typography needs to become a significant and ownable part of your brand identity.

How font modification works

1. Show me the font

Tell me which typeface you are using and what you would like to change.

2. Tell me what is not working

Send examples of the font in use and explain what feels wrong or what you would like it to do. I can help work out what actually needs changing.

3. I design the modifications

I develop the new characters, styles or features while retaining the qualities that make the original font work. You see and approve the important design changes before final production.

4. I build and test the font

The changes are incorporated into a working font and checked for spacing, kerning, character support and technical problems.

5. You get a font made for the job

The final files and licence are agreed for your particular project and usage. You deal directly with the person designing the font.

Can any font be modified?

Not automatically. Fonts are protected intellectual property and the licence for a commercial font may restrict modification. If you want me to modify one of my own fonts, that is straightforward because I control the original design and font software. If you want to modify a typeface produced by another designer or foundry, the necessary rights or permissions must be in place before work begins.

How much does font modification cost?

There is no fixed price because changing three characters is a very different job from creating two new weights and adding another language. Pricing depends on the font being modified, number of characters, complexity of the changes, additional weights or styles, language coverage, OpenType features, technical development, required usage and licensing, and any exclusivity or ownership requirements.

Frequently asked questions about font modification

What is a font modification?

A font modification is a change made to an existing typeface. This can include redesigning individual letters, adding new glyphs, creating weights or widths, expanding language support or adding technical and OpenType features.

Can you modify an existing font for my brand?

Yes. I can modify my own Simon Stratford typefaces for brand use. Fonts created by other designers can only be modified where the appropriate licence or permission allows it.

Can you modify just one letter in a font?

Yes. A font modification does not have to involve redesigning an entire alphabet. Individual letters, numerals, punctuation marks or symbols can be changed or added.

Can you customise one of your retail fonts?

Yes. An existing Simon Stratford retail font can be used as the starting point for a customised version, subject to an agreed modification and usage licence.

Can you add our logo to a font?

In some circumstances I can create a brand symbol, icon or other custom glyph that can be accessed directly from the font. Whether this is the best technical solution depends on how and where the font will be used.

Can you add another language to an existing font?

Yes, where the original design is suitable. Additional accented characters and character sets can be designed to extend the language coverage of an existing typeface.

Can you make an existing font lighter, heavier or narrower?

Potentially, yes. Additional weights and widths can be designed, although the amount of work depends heavily on the construction of the original typeface.

Can you turn an existing font into a variable font?

Sometimes. The source fonts need compatible construction, or they may require substantial rebuilding before they can interpolate successfully. I can assess the font and tell you what is practical.

Is font modification cheaper than custom font design?

It can be. If an existing typeface already provides most of what your project needs, modifying selected elements may involve considerably less design work than creating an entirely new typeface.

Do I own the modified font?

Ownership and usage rights depend on the project. Before work starts, I make clear what is being licensed, what you can use the modified font for and whether any exclusive rights are included.

Nearly right can become exactly right.

You do not always need a new typeface. Sometimes a few carefully chosen changes are enough to turn a font you like into typography that genuinely belongs to your brand.