What It Does
FontShaper lets you work with over 780 Google Fonts or any local TTF, OTF, or WOFF font file without installing them on your system. Select a typeface, type your text, and import it as editable vector shapes directly into After Effects (shape layers), Photoshop (SVG), or Illustrator (SVG). This solves a common problem for motion designers who need to test multiple fonts or use typefaces that can’t be installed on their machine.
Key Features
Google Fonts integration. Access 780+ typefaces through the Google Fonts API without downloading or installing anything. You’ll need to set up an API key (a tutorial is included).
Local font support. Point FontShaper to a folder containing TTF, OTF, or WOFF files and use them immediately. The tool supports one level of subfolders. WOFF2, EOT, and SVG font formats are not supported.
Vector shape output. Text imports as shapes, not rasterized pixels. In After Effects, this means editable shape layers. In Photoshop and Illustrator, it generates SVG files.
Flexible save locations. Choose where generated files go: desktop, documents folder, the current project location, or a custom path you specify.
Customizable settings. Control font style, size, fill rule, and line position. Adjust the temporary folder and local fonts directory through the settings panel.
Who It’s For
Useful for motion designers who need quick access to multiple fonts without cluttering their system font library, or for working with client-provided typefaces that you don’t want to permanently install. Also helpful when prototyping typographic treatments across Adobe applications.
Pricing
FontShaper uses pay-what-you-want pricing. The standard listed price is $59, though discounted rates appear for some users. This is a one-time purchase through aescripts.com, not a subscription.
Compatibility Notes
Requires CC 2018 or later versions of After Effects, Photoshop, or Illustrator. Built using CEP9. Apple Silicon machines must run Photoshop under Rosetta. You’ll need to enable ‘Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network’ in After Effects preferences.