Introduction
Tamil font creation has become easier because of Unicode standards and open-source software. One of the most powerful tools for font design is FontForge. Using FontForge, we can draw Tamil letters, assign Unicode values, and generate font files like .ttf. we will create a simple Tamil glyph and export it as a font.
Step 1 – Install FontForge
Download FontForge:
https://fontforge.org
FontForge is available for:
Windows
Linux
macOS
After installing, open the software.
Step 2 – Open FontForge and Understand Glyph Grid
When FontForge opens, you will see a glyph grid (many small boxes).
Each box represents a Unicode character slot.
Example:
U+0B95 → க
Each Tamil letter must be placed in its correct Unicode position.
Step 3 – Set Unicode Encoding
To work with Tamil Unicode:
Menu:
Encoding → Reencode → Unicode Full
Tamil Unicode block range:
U+0B80 – U+0BFF
Now FontForge is ready for Tamil font creation.
Step 4 – Find a Tamil Letter Slot
Press:
Ctrl + F
Search Unicode:
0B95
This opens the slot for the Tamil letter:
க
Step 5 – Import Glyph from Inkscape
If you already created the letter in SVG format using vector software:
Menu:
File → Import
Select file:
uni0B95.svg
Now the glyph outline appears inside FontForge.
Step 6 – Edit Glyph Shape
Double-click the glyph box to open the editor window.
You can:
*Move nodes
*Smooth curves
*Resize shapes
*Adjust alignment
This step improves the quality of the font outline.
Step 7 – Adjust Spacing (Metrics)
Correct spacing is important for readability.
Open:
Window → New Metrics Window
Adjust:
Left spacing
Right spacing
Tamil letters should not touch each other while typing.
Step 8 – Generate Font File
After finishing glyph design:
Menu:
File → Generate Fonts
Choose format:
TrueType (.ttf)
Now your Tamil font file is ready.
Install the .ttf file and test typing.
Open Source Tamil Fonts: Noto Sans Tamil
Noto Sans Tamil is an open-source Unicode Tamil font developed by Google as part of the Noto Fonts project.
It supports all Tamil Unicode characters (U+0B80–U+0BFF) and works on mobile, web, and desktop applications.
The font is released under the SIL Open Font License, so anyone can:
*Download
*Use
*Modify
*Share the font freely
The source files are available on GitHub, which helps designers learn Tamil font development.
Noto Sans Tamil is widely used for:
Tamil typing
Graphic design
Web fonts
Unicode Tamil projects
This font is a good starting point for beginners learning Tamil typography and open-source font creation.
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