# FontMaker vs Calligraphy Master

The clearest difference is monetization model: Calligraphy Master at free with in-app purchases against FontMaker's subscription. Calligraphy Master also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (2.5K vs 573). FontMaker's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FontMaker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Calligraphy Master sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FontMaker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 573 and 2.5K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 33% and 34% positive.

FontMaker ships an update every 2 months, Calligraphy Master every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FontMaker | Calligraphy Master |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (573 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fontmaker-handwriting-art/id1585603833/reviews)** | [4.3 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calligraphy-master-cursive/id1598691036/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 573 | **2.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **33.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 204 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [5SKay Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1297846437) | [Calligraphy Master LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741288234) |

## What reviewers say

### FontMaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fontmaker-handwriting-art/id1585603833)

Create custom handwriting fonts and use them across your favorite apps. Personalize your messages and social media posts with unique calligraphy and handwritten styles. Compatible with all applications for a stylish touch.

**Highlights:** Create custom handwriting fonts, Use unique handwriting as a font, Variety of handwritten and calligraphy styles, Keyboard plugin for all apps, Step-by-step alphabet creation preview

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium typing keyboard themes | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Creative font customization with personal handwriting
- 🎨 Visually appealing and expressive keyboard
- 📝 No ads during font creation process
- 💬 Allows personal expression through text messages
- 🆓 Free fonts available for use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires premium subscription ($8.99-$10/month) to use custom fonts
- ⏰ Time-consuming font creation process (30+ minutes) before paywall
- 🔒 Requests excessive permissions including credit card and address data
- ❌ No autocorrect functionality in custom keyboard
- 📋 Requires manual copy-paste for conversations

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when typing
- Handwriting not displaying properly during setup
- Font not appearing on keyboard after creation

**Requested features**

- Autocorrect functionality for custom fonts
- Free tier that allows using created fonts without premium
- Better stylus/finger input detection for font creation
- Clearer upfront disclosure of premium requirements before font creation


### Calligraphy Master

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calligraphy-master-cursive/id1598691036)

Generate custom calligraphy templates with hundreds of font styles. Practice cursive writing with Apple Pencil support and export your designs for printing. Personalize your practice with various colors, grids, and text options.

**Highlights:** Generate custom font templates, Hundreds of font styles, Export and print templates, Apple Pencil support, Customizable grids and colors, Practice with classic texts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calligraphy Master Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Calligraphy Master Pro Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Calligraphy Master Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💕 Phenomenal resource
- 🤓 Great for handwriting practice
- 👍 Awesome app
- 🤩 Love it
- 🎨 Excellent for learning calligraphy

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Not free, requires paid subscription
- 🤔 Confusing, no free fonts available
- 😕 Difficult to use, not intuitive
- 🙄 Misleading, claims to be free but isn't
- 🤷‍♀️ Lacks tutorials and instructions

**Reported bugs**

- Keyboard issues and compatibility problems
- Tracing feature not working as expected
- Inconsistent behavior when changing font size
- Inability to save or export practice work

**Requested features**

- Add more font options, including Chancery
- Allow importing and editing of custom texts
- Provide better guidance and tutorials
- Offer a selection of free fonts to try
- Improve overall user experience and navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FontMaker free?

FontMaker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Calligraphy Master free?

Calligraphy Master is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FontMaker or Calligraphy Master?

FontMaker is rated higher. FontMaker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 573 ratings, while Calligraphy Master averages 4.3 from 2.5K ratings.

### Do FontMaker or Calligraphy Master have ads?

FontMaker shows ads; Calligraphy Master does not.

### Which is updated more often, FontMaker or Calligraphy Master?

FontMaker ships an update every 2 months, and Calligraphy Master every 3 months. Most recently, FontMaker was updated on September 22, 2026 and Calligraphy Master on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*