Q: What are the differences between Scanahand and FontCreator?

A: You can use Scanahand to generate a font based on your own handwriting within just a couple of minutes. FontCreator allows you to create and edit fonts with vector tools, so it's more sophisticated and has more features like auto complete composites, kerning, validation, but takes more time.

Q: My scanner is not recognized by Scanahand. How do I get my filled in template into Scanahand?

A: Uncheck "Hide incompatible devices" from the Options dialog and press the Scan button. If even this fails, then scan the template with the software that came with the scanner, or use any other application that does recognize the scanner. Store (save to file) the scanned image and load it into Scanahand for further processing.

Q: Can I use Scanahand on a Tablet PC?

A: Scanahand has no direct support for drawing directly on the template, but you can save the template to file and edit it through your image editing software. If supported, you could add an additional layer for guidelines to help you draw your characters on the baseline.

Q: I find it hard to write the characters on the imaginary baseline. What can I do to get a more even handwriting?

A1: We suggest you place a paper with horizontal lines below your empty template. The guidelines should shine through the paper.

A2: With a pencil and a ruler, draw a very light line through the baseline guidelines. Then when you've drawn all characters, erase the line.

A3: Save the scanned template onto your hard disk. Open it in your paint software, and move the floating characters up or down. Then load it back into Scanahand.

A4: Another approach is to enable the colored guide line that represents the baseline through the Template page on the Options dialog.

Q: I'm very impressed with the font(s) generated by Scanahand, but I want to make some changes to the letter spacing. How can I do that?

A: We suggest you use FontCreator - the most popular font editor! to make adjustments to specific glyphs.

Q: Can I create true cursive fonts (where characters in a word are connected) with Scanahand?

A: Cursive fonts with swashes are not possible with Scanahand as the side-bearings are generated automatically. You can however use Scanahand as a basis, and then use FontCreator - the most popular font editor! to further improve your font.