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Prototypo
What it is
Prototypo is an online app for customizing typefaces from parametric templates. Users can begin with Prototypo Fell, Prototypo Grotesk, Prototypo Elzevir, or Spectral, then adjust more than thirty parameters such as thickness, aperture, and roundness. Separate serif controls are available. Letters or groups of letters can be modified individually, and a manual editing tool is described. Fonts export in OTF format for installation on macOS, Windows, and Linux or display in a browser. A Chrome extension previews changes live on websites, and fonts can be exported to Glyphr Studio for further editing. The app supports the Latin Extended 3 glyph set but has no cursive templates and does not accept imported fonts for modification. Exported fonts use a CC0 license. Prototypo offers free and paid plans, including a Free plan, Pro at $8.25 per month, and Team at $49.96 per month.
For and against
For
- More than thirty font parameters
- Individual glyph editing
- OTF export for three desktop platforms
- Chrome live-preview extension
- CC0 font license
Against
- No cursive font templates
- Cannot import fonts for modification
- Free plan limits parameter range
- Collaboration level is none
The verdict
Prototypo provides parametric controls, glyph editing, exports, and browser preview in a freemium model. Its limits on cursive templates, imported fonts, and collaboration should guide selection.
Who it suits
Prototypo suits designers creating custom typefaces for desktop, web, or browser preview. It also fits users who need OTF exports or Glyphr Studio handoff.
Plans and prices
Free
1 user · One week support · Limited parameter range
Read 8 Oct 2026 · devvv.prototypo.io
Pro
1 user · 48h support · Full-range parameters · Unlimited font exports
Read 8 Oct 2026 · devvv.prototypo.io
Team
Custom plan and pricing for larger teams · 24h support · Full-range parameters · Unlimited font exports
Read 8 Oct 2026 · devvv.prototypo.io
On the record
- Browser requirement
- The FAQ says the app requires an up-to-date version of Chrome, Firefox, or Opera; Safari support was described as upcoming.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Company origin
- The maker's press page says Prototypo was created in May 2013 in Lyon, France.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Export and compatibility
- Fonts export in OTF format and can be installed on macOS, Windows, and Linux or displayed in a browser.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Extension
- A Chrome extension lets users preview font changes live on any website.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Font controls
- The app offers more than thirty parameters, including thickness, aperture, and roundness, with separate serif adjustments.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Font ownership
- The maker says exported fonts use a CC0 license, allowing copying, modification, distribution, and commercial use without permission.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Glyph editing
- Users can individually modify letters or groups of letters, and the FAQ also describes a manual editing tool.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Import limit
- Users cannot import their own fonts to modify them because Prototypo uses coded letter templates and algorithms.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Prototypo can export fonts directly to Glyphr Studio for further editing.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Parametric fonts
- Users can start with four parametric typefaces: Prototypo Fell, Prototypo Grotesk, Prototypo Elzevir, and Spectral.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Product
- Prototypo is an online app that lets designers customize their own typeface.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security and data
- The terms say the payment provider retains card details and Prototypo does not keep bank details; the linked privacy policy could not be opened.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ says users may contact the team regardless of subscription, and company plan subscribers receive 24-hour premium support.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported glyphs
- The FAQ says Prototypo supports the Latin Extended 3 glyph set and does not currently offer cursive font templates.devvv.prototypo.io · read 8 Oct 2026
