Getting Started
Welcome to FontPair AI. This tool is designed to help professional designers and developers analyze typography, find perfect pairings, and ensure accessibility compliance using advanced AI.
To begin, you'll need to download the application for your operating system and set up your API key.
Go to Setup Guide →API Key Setup
FontPair AI operates using your own Google Gemini API key. This ensures your data privacy and eliminates recurring subscription fees.
How to get a key
- Visit Google AI Studio.
- Click "Create API Key".
- Copy the key string (starts with
AIza...).
Adding it to FontPair AI
Open the application, go to Settings > API Configuration, and paste your key into the input field. Click "Verify & Save" to confirm it's working.
Font Analysis
Our 14-point analysis engine breaks down any font file (.ttf, .otf) or image upload into actionable typographic data.
- Classification: Identifies if the font is Serif, Sans, Slab, Display, etc.
- X-Height: Measures the height of lowercase letters relative to uppercase.
- Contrast: Analyzes the difference between thick and thin strokes.
- Mood/Voice: AI-determined emotional characteristics (e.g., "Playful", "Corporate").
Simply drag and drop your file onto the dashboard to begin analysis.
Pairing Critique
The heart of FontPair AI. Select a primary heading font and a secondary body font to receive a detailed critique.
The AI assigns a score from 1-10 based on:
- Visual Harmony: Do the shapes complement or clash?
- Hierarchy: Is there enough distinction between the two?
- Context Suitability: Is this pairing appropriate for your project type?
Glyph Comparison
Impostor shapes can ruin legibility. Our Glyph Comparison tool isolates and overlays commonly confused characters.
We automatically test:
- I / l / 1 (Uppercase I, lowercase L, number 1)
- 0 / O (Zero vs Uppercase O)
- 6 / b and 9 / q
Use this feature to ensure your chosen font is safe for interface design and data-heavy applications.
Exporting
PDF Reports
Generate a branded PDF report of your analysis to share with clients or stakeholders. The report includes the pairing score, sample text, and the full AI critique.
CSS/Tailwind Export (Pro)
Seamlessly move from design to code. Click the "Export Code" button to generate:
/* Generated by FontPair AI */
:root {
--font-heading: 'Space Grotesk', sans-serif;
--font-body: 'Inter', sans-serif;
--line-height-body: 1.6;
}
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Show Keyboard Shortcuts | ? or Ctrl + / |
| Open Settings | Ctrl + , |
| Toggle Projects Panel | Ctrl + P |
| Find Fonts | Ctrl + F |
| Restart Onboarding Tour | Ctrl + O |
| Close Modals | Escape |
| Confirm file upload | Enter |
| Open file selector | Space |
Troubleshooting
API Key Errors
If you receive a 401 or 403 error, your API key may be expired or invalid. Check your quota at Google AI Studio. Remember the free tier has limits (15 req/min).
Font Not Loading
Ensure your file is a valid .ttf, .otf, or .woff2. Corrupted font files or unsupported formats (like older .eot) will be rejected.
Support
Still stuck? Email us at support@fontpair.ai or visit our GitHub repository.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for a separate AI subscription?
No subscription required. FontPair AI uses Google Gemini's free tier—you just need a free API key from Google AI Studio. Most users never exceed the generous free quota.
What's included in the one-time purchase?
Everything. Full access to font analysis, pairing critique, glyph comparison, accessibility scoring, PDF exports, and all future updates. No features locked behind upsells.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes. If FontPair AI doesn't meet your needs within 14 days of purchase, contact us for a full refund. No questions asked.
Why a one-time fee instead of a subscription?
We believe professional tools should be investments, not recurring expenses. You pay once, you own it forever. The "bring your own API" model eliminates our ongoing costs, so we can eliminate yours.
What font formats are supported?
TTF, OTF, and WOFF files for direct analysis. You can also upload screenshots or images of fonts for AI-powered identification.
Does FontPair AI work offline?
The interface works offline, but AI analysis requires an internet connection to communicate with the Gemini API.
How do I get a Google Gemini API key?
Visit Google AI Studio, click "Create API Key," and paste it into FontPair AI's settings. Takes about 30 seconds.
Is my data private?
Completely. Your API key means requests go directly from your browser to Google—we never see your fonts, projects, or analyses. Nothing is stored on our servers.
Are there usage limits?
FontPair AI itself has no limits. Google's free Gemini tier includes 60 requests/minute, which is more than enough for professional use. Heavy users can upgrade their Google API tier independently.
Will I get future updates?
Yes. All updates, new features, and improvements are included with your one-time purchase. Forever.
Can I use FontPair AI commercially?
Absolutely. Use it for client work, agency projects, personal sites—whatever you need. One license, unlimited commercial use.
Still have questions? Reach out at hello@fontpairai.com