You install a font for one project, and a month later you can't remember its name, which folder it's in, or whether you already have three copies of it. A **font manager** exists to fix exactly that, and MainType from High-Logic is built for Windows users who have let their collection grow out of control.
Quick facts
- Current version: MainType 12
- Platform: Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7
- Edition: a free edition is available. The program has no expiration date and runs in free edition mode if you don't license it.
- Admin rights: not required to run
Key features
Install and uninstall fonts without rebooting
MainType gives you immediate system-wide font synchronization. You don't need to refresh font lists or restart the computer after installing fonts. It also runs without administrator credentials, so you don't get the elevation prompt while managing fonts.
Group fonts by project, theme or occasion
Create font groups for birthdays, holidays, cars, animals, themes or whatever you need. You can then load, install and uninstall a whole group quickly. Designers can use this to manage fonts per project.
Sort your collection by foundry, type, rating or width
The categorization tools let you organize fonts by foundry, font type, rating, font width and more. You can also group fonts by family.
Clean out duplicate fonts
A long-lived collection collects duplicates. The duplicate font feature helps you clean up your library.
Find and insert characters from the Unicode grid
The Unicode character grid lets you navigate Unicode blocks and copy characters to the clipboard or the sample panel. You can also insert them directly into background applications.
Variable fonts and OpenType layout features
High-Logic says MainType is the only Windows font manager that fully supports variable fonts and OpenType layout features.
The product page also lists notes, tags and ratings, a customizable layout, font comparison, print reports, team synchronization, corrupt font detection, backup and restore, and font registry repair.
Who it's for
MainType is aimed at graphic artists, typographers and other power users who want network support, advanced categorizing and complex searching. It also has simple features for people who just want to view and install fonts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free edition with no expiration date lets you try it properly
- Runs without administrator credentials
- No reboot or list refresh after installing fonts
- Duplicate detection and corrupt font detection
Cons
- Windows only. There is no macOS version
- The free edition is limited compared with the licensed one
- Supported systems stop at Windows 7 on the low end, so older Windows releases are out
What users say
"MainType has been rock solid and has all the features I need to manage the 4000+ fonts I have." (Rick Bergeron, High-Logic website)
"I was using another font manager but MainType is so much easier to use." (Lori Eckstein, High-Logic website)
FAQs
Does MainType need administrator rights?
No. It runs without administrator credentials, so you avoid the elevation prompt.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes. A free edition is available and it doesn't expire.
Which Windows versions work?
Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
Can I print my font list?
Yes. MainType includes print reports.
System requirements