الخطوط من تل أبيب
Fonts From Tel Aviv
פונטים מתל אביב

Fontef is an independent cross-generational type foundry based in Tel Aviv. We design typefaces in Hebrew, Latin and Arabic. We are a small team — Yanek Iontef (1963) is a renowned Israeli type designer that started this foundry in 1994, Daniel Grumer (1985), a graduate of the Type and Media program in The Hague (2016), Matan Iontef (1995) and Dan Sarid (1997), graduates of Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design (2022, 2023).

Website

Designed with the help of‭ ‬Designit‭ and ‬Eran Ben Barak‭.
Developed by our friends and neighbors‭ ‬Meir Sadan and Nir Shaked.
License Illustrations: Anat Warshavsky.

Studio History

1992

Yanek Iontef starts making fonts for personal design projects

1994

Fontef Studio is born

1995

Yanek creates “Pelefont” — The first Israeli brand font

1996

Fontef’s first printed catalogue

1998

The 1st website, designed by Yanek Iontef

2001

Zvi Narkiss visits the studio

2001

Yanek Iontef’s first talk in the AtypeI International conference

2004

The 2nd website, designed by Shual studio

2007

The 3rd website, designed by Meir Sadan

2008

Yanek Iontef creates an exclusive font for “Calcalist” — An Israeli daily economic newspaper

2014

The 4th website, designed by Guy Tubul

2016

Daniel Grumer graduates the Type&Media program with excellency
Later this year Grumer returns to Israel and meets Yanek

2014

Fontef becomes the exclusive publisher of Hadassah by Henri Friedlaender — a groundbreaking, classic Hebrew typeface

2017

The 5th website, designed by Yotam Hadar and Meir Sadan

2017

Iontef and Grumer both contribute to the Hebrew collection by Typotheque

2017

Iontef and Grumer create an exclusive font for Bank Hapoalim — the first Israeli trilingual brand font

2018

Daniel Grumer starts teaching typography in Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem

2018

Fontef Studio creates the Hebrew version of Google Sans

2019

Fontef becomes the exclusive publisher of the Zvi Narkiss collection

2020

Yanek Iontef receives the Edmund de Rotschild Design Award for an established designer

2021

Fontef Studio joins Fontstand — an international platform for font renting and purchasing

2022

Iontef and Grumer talk at the Internetional Fonstand conference at The Hague

2023

Fontef Studio joins Adobe Fonts, a platform that gives Creative Cloud subscribers access to selected fonts from its catalogue

2025

Fontef launches the Variable Font Day on 09/14, to celebrate the 9 years anniversary of the format

2026

The 6th website (this one!), designed with the help of Designit studio and Eran Ben Barak. Developed by Meir Sadan and Nir Shaked

2026

After years of development, Fontef launches the collaborated collection with Commercial type

2026

Fontef launches the Variable Classics collection — substantial Hebrew type classics, firstly published as up-to-date variable fonts

Contact

studio@fontef.com
12 ‬Shefa Tal st‭. ‬Tel Aviv
+972‭ (‬3‭) ‬5605801

Follow Us

@fonteftypefoundry
@yaneki
@danielgrumer
@mataniontef
@dansarid
@hebrewtypetreasures

Hebrew Classics

Our library includes official and exclusive revivals of classic Hebrew typefaces by Zvi Narkiss (1921–2010) and Henri Friedlaender (1904–1996).

All the historic Hebrew models that were initially created within earlier technologies and tools – were recreated to suit modern digital requirements. We invite you to watch the presentation we prepared on the process of the Zvi Narkiss revivals (in Hebrew only).

Collaborations

Collaborations play a very important role in our day-to-day studio life. We work with international type foundries, and design Hebrew extensions for their popular typefaces.

We are very proud to collaborate with Commercial Type and distribute Hebrew versions of their typefaces. These versions are made with the Middle Eastern user in mind, and also include Arabic.

You can also find our Hebrew designs at‭: ‬Bold Monday‭, CoType, Dinamo‭, Fontwerk, Grilli Type, Google Fonts, Lineto and Typotheque.

Partnerships

Several of our fonts are also distributed through other platforms:

Fontstand — A platform that enables you to try fonts, rent them, and even subscribe to foundry libraries.

Adobe Fonts — If you have a Creative Cloud subscription, you can activate and utilize a selection of our fonts, without incurring any additional costs. (These fonts are included in your subscription fee).

Questions?

We tend to get a lot of repeating questions. That’s why we recommend giving our‭ ‬FAQ‭ a try, and if you can’t find there an answer — send us an email or WhatsApp.

Trial Versions

Our fonts are available for trial and can be downloaded here.

The trial versions include a complete character set, enabling designers to present design concepts to their clients and determine whether to purchase a license.

Design Students?

For your academic projects, you are allowed to use our trial fonts freely.

For all other purposes, fonts must be licensed. As a student, you are entitled to a 50% discount. contact us to receive a Coupon Code.

Licensing

Fonts are software, and a license must be purchased in order to use it.

To “buy a font” actually means to pay for the right to use it. Our pricing reflects organizational scale, larger teams and broader usage pay more, while smaller teams and individuals pay proportionally.

Licenses are perpetual, registered for specific names and products, and cannot be transferred.

These are the different kinds of licenses we have:

🧑‍🎨 Studio License
Install fonts on computers and create graphics for clients.

👔 Company License
Install fonts on computers, share with third-party sub-contractors and embed in one website.

🌐 Website License
Embed web fonts files to use in a specific domain.

👾 App License
Embed font files to use in a specific application or game.

For more information visit our Licensing Section.

Discounts

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family Discounts - The best discounts we offer are family discounts, that vary between 30-40% when buying full type families and are automatically calculated.

🎓 Students are entitled to 50% discount. Make sure you find the checkbox in the shopping cart!

🕊️ Non-profit and Peace organizations are entitled to 40% discount on Company / Website licenses. Please contact us.

🎭 Cultural institutions and artists are entitled to 35% discount on Company / Website licenses.

📰 Newsletter - From time to time, we have special offers for our Newsletter members. We send 3-4 newsletters per-year, and you can opt-in using this sign-up form.

🖼️ Fonts in Use - We also give coupon codes to designers that used our fonts, and share high quality documentation using this link.

Category
Trial License
Studio
Company
Website
App
File Formats
OTF, variable
OTF, Variable
OTF, WOFF, Variable
WOFF, Variable
TTF, Variable
Create Sketches
Commercial Use
Install Files

and use in design software (Adobe, Figma, Word)

Embed Files

as live text in web developing environment (HTML, CSS)

Embed Files

as live text in app developing environment (Android, iOS, Unity)

Share Files

with subcontractors working for the company

Share Files

with third-party entities

Use with Artificial Intelligence Tools
Student Work

use the fonts for academy projects

Use in Your Own Website

embed as live text in the company/studio website

Embed Files

as live text in systems (broadcast, translation, streaming services)

Convert Files

to other formats.

Modify Files

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our fonts and licensing.

Who should buy the font — the client or the designer?
Fontef

The mother of all questions. Generally: the designer buys a Studio License for the studio’s use across client projects. The client buys a Company License if they need the fonts distributed across their own organization.

The key difference is distribution — Studio Licenses don’t allow sharing files outside the studio. If the client wants their design agencies and internal team all working with the same files, that’s a Company License. Not sure? Use the Share Cart button in the shopping cart to send a ready-made order link directly to your client.

Which license do we need?
Fontef

It depends on what you plan to do with the fonts. We offer 4 types of font licenses:

🧑‍🎨 Studio LicenseFor design studios, priced by studio size. Recommended format: OTF (Mac) or TTF (Windows).
✅ Install on studio computers  ✅ Use in Figma, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Word
✅ Create commercial materials for clients  ✅ Embed in studio portfolio website
🚫 Share files outside the studio  🚫 Embed in client websites or apps  🚫 Use with AI tools
👔 Company LicenseFor companies and organizations, priced by headcount. Recommended format: OTF (Mac) or TTF (Windows).
✅ Install on company computers  ✅ Use in design and office software
✅ Share files with employees and sub-contractors of the company
🚫 Share files outside the company  🚫 Embed in websites or apps  🚫 Use with AI tools
🌐 Website LicenseRegistered to a single domain, priced by monthly visitors.
✅ Embed WOFF2 files as dynamic text on the registered domain (including subdomains)
🚫 Install on computers  🚫 Use in design software  🚫 Use with AI tools
📱 App LicenseRegistered to a single app or game, priced by download count.
✅ Embed fonts as dynamic text in the registered app or game
🚫 Install on computers  🚫 Use in design software  🚫 Use with AI tools

See the full license comparison table →

Can I try a font before buying it?
Fontef

Yes. We offer free trial versions for most of our typefaces so you can test the font in your design environment before committing to a purchase.
Trial versions are labeled with the suffix TRIAL. You’re welcome to use them to create sketches and client presentations, but not for commercial use or in published projects.

What are variable fonts?
Fontef

Variable fonts let you control multiple design parameters — weight, width, slant, and more — within a single file, rather than using separate files for each style. That means fewer files to load on the web, more flexibility in design tools, and the ability to create smooth transitions between styles and fully adjustable Intermediate styles. Most of our font families include variable versions.

Do you offer discounts?
Fontef

We don’t celebrate Black Friday — but we have transparent discount policies valid all year round:

🎁 Family Discounts
The best discounts we offer. Buying a complete family gives you an automatic 30–40% off, calculated at checkout.

🎓 Students
Want to use our fonts commercially outside the academy? You’re entitled to 50% off.

🕊️ Non-profit & Peace organizations
40% off Company / Website licenses.

🎭 Cultural institutions & artists
35% off Company / Website licenses.

📬 Newsletter members
We send 3–4 newsletters per year, occasionally with special offers for subscribers.

🖼️ Fonts in Use
Used our fonts in a real project? Share quality documentation and get 10% off your next purchase.

How do I redeem a discount?
Fontef

Most of our discounts aren’t automatic — you need to request a coupon code first. Here’s the process:

  1. Write to us at studio@fontef.com and mention which discount applies to you.

  2. Include proof if relevant — student ID for the student discount, a brief description of your organization for non-profit or cultural discounts.

  3. We’ll send you a personal coupon code.

  4. Enter the code in the coupon field at checkout — the discount is applied automatically.

The only exception: family discounts (30–40% off) are calculated automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I buy a font?
Fontef

Add the font to your cart, choose the right license type, check out, and download immediately. The whole process takes a few minutes, and you’ll have the files right away.

Can I use your fonts for commercial projects?
Fontef

Yes — that’s what they’re designed for. Just make sure you have the right license for your use case. When in doubt, the license comparison table is a good place to start, or email us.

What is a Type Foundry?
Fontef

A type foundry is a studio that designs and publishes typefaces. Like a record label for music, a foundry develops the original work and handles licensing. At Fontef, that means designing in Hebrew, Latin, and Arabic — and maintaining a library that spans both new originals and meticulous revivals of historic faces.

What formats are the fonts available in?
Fontef

We provide our fonts in all modern formats, including variable fonts. The most common are TrueType (TTF) and OpenType (OTF), which work with most design software. For web use, we offer WOFF and WOFF2, optimized for performance and load times.

Can I use your fonts for web and print?
Fontef

Most of our fonts can be used for both, but you need the right license for each context. A Studio or Company license covers print and design work, while a Website license is specifically for dynamic web embedding. If you need both, check that your license covers all your use cases.

What if I need a specific character set or language support?
Fontef

Check the individual font page — each one lists the scripts and languages it supports. Most of our fonts support Hebrew, many include Latin, and a growing number cover Arabic too.

If you need all three, or have specific requirements (minority languages, extended diacritics, special symbols), get in touch — that’s actually our specialty.

Are your fonts compatible with all design software?
Fontef

Yes, in almost all cases. Our fonts follow industry standards and work with all major design applications — Figma, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and more. The only known exception is Microsoft Office, which has its own quirks (see Technical Support). If you run into an unexpected issue, contact us and we’ll help troubleshoot.

where-do-i-find-and-download-trial-fonts
Fontef

Trial versions are available directly on each font’s product page — look for the green button. Once installed, they show up in your font menu with the TRIAL suffix so they’re easy to identify.

How do I install fonts on my computer?
Fontef

After downloading, installation is straightforward:

  • Windows: Right-click the font file and select Install.
  • macOS: Double-click the font file and click Install Font in Font Book.
How do I get the latest version of a font I own?
Fontef

Log into your account at fontef.com and go to the My Licenses section. Every font you’ve purchased is listed there with its current version. When we release an update, the new files appear in your account automatically — just download them and replace the old ones on your computer.

We also send email notifications whenever we push significant improvements, new weights, or language additions to a font you own.

What should I do if I encounter a problem with a font?
Fontef

Contact us — we’re committed to resolving issues promptly. When writing, please include screenshots and mention your operating system and the applications you’re using. That helps us diagnose the problem much faster.

Fonts don't work properly in Microsoft Office
Fontef

Unfortunately, Microsoft Office has long-standing limitations with advanced font features. PowerPoint, for example, doesn’t support kerning. If you’re using our fonts in Office applications, we recommend the TTF format rather than OTF. If you’re still running into issues, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Why aren't the fonts vertically centered?
Fontef

Each font has its own predefined vertical metrics, and different applications, browsers, and operating systems interpret these values slightly differently. There’s no universal solution.

We produce our fonts with values that ensure no characters are clipped, default line spacing is appropriate, and text is as vertically aligned as possible. Fine-tuning still requires a type-sensitive designer’s eye. For precise control, this tool from EightShapes can help.

Why do fonts look different on web vs. desktop applications?
Fontef

Rendering varies across environments. To get the most consistent result on the web, add these CSS properties:

-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
-moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
font-smooth: always;
text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
what-s-the-difference-between-otf-and-ttf
Fontef

Both formats contain the same design. OTF (OpenType) is the better choice for most modern software — Figma, Adobe apps, macOS. TTF (TrueType) tends to work more reliably in Windows apps and Microsoft Office. When in doubt, download both; your license covers all formats.

i-bought-a-font-but-never-received-the-download
Fontef

First place to check: your spam folder. Our delivery emails land there more often than we’d like — and it’s not entirely mysterious why. They come from an automated system, they’re sent in relatively low volume, and they contain download links. That’s exactly the kind of combination spam filters find suspicious, even when everything is perfectly legitimate.

If it’s not there either, log into your account at fontef.com and go to My Licenses. All your purchases are available for direct download there at any time — no email needed.

Still stuck? Write to us at studio@fontef.com and we’ll get it sorted.

Can I modify the fonts I purchase?
Fontef

No. Modifying fonts is not permitted without written consent from us. Our fonts are crafted with specific design intent, and we want to maintain their integrity. If you have a modification request, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to discuss.

How do I embed fonts on my website?
Fontef

Use the CSS @font-face rule. Here’s an example:

@font-face {
  font-family: "Narkiss Block";
  src: url("/fonts/NarkissBlock-Regular.woff2") format("woff2"),
       url("/fonts/NarkissBlock-Regular.woff")  format("woff");
}

Make sure you have a Website License for the domain where you’re embedding the fonts.

How do I activate stylistic sets?
Fontef

Each of our fonts supports different stylistic sets. Here’s how to activate them in the three most common environments:

Figma
Select your text, then in the right panel click the three dots (…) in the Type section. You’ll see a list of available alternates and stylistic sets — toggle any of them on.

InDesign
Go to Window → Type & Tables → OpenType. From the dropdown you can enable Stylistic Sets (SS01, SS02, etc.) alongside other OpenType features.

CSS
Use the font-feature-settings property:

font-feature-settings: "ss01";
/* enable multiple sets: */
font-feature-settings: "ss01", "ss02";

Check each font’s product page to see which sets are available and what they do.

Can I use your fonts in Canva or Google Docs?
Fontef

The free version of Canva uses its own font system, and it’s not possible to use our fonts there.

With Canva Pro, you can upload fonts, and a Studio or Company license allows this. However, keep in mind that not all typographic features available in professional software are supported there (for example, Variable Fonts), and font files cannot be shared.

In Google Docs, it is not possible to embed fonts.

Can I see the EULA for your fonts?
Fontef

Sure. Like any software, font files are sold with a license agreement that outlines the terms of use. Here is the full End-User License Agreement →

Can I buy the font on behalf of my client?
Fontef

We recommend that clients purchase their own license — that way, it's registered in their name from the start. But you can make it easy for them: use the Share Cart button in the shopping cart to build the right order and send the link directly to your client for checkout.

What does a Studio License allow?
Fontef

Studio License is registered with design studios and priced by studio size (from solo freelancers to large firms).

✅ Install on studio computers
✅ Use in Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, etc.
✅ Create and publish commercial graphic materials for studio clients
✅ Embed as dynamic text in the studio’s own portfolio website

🚫 Share font files with clients or sub-contractors
🚫 Embed in client websites, apps, or games
🚫 Modify or convert the files
🚫 Use with artificial intelligence tools

See the sample Studio License certificate →

What does a Company License allow?
Fontef

Company License is registered with companies and organizations, priced by headcount.

✅ Install on company computers
✅ Use in design and office software
✅ Create and publish commercial graphic materials
✅ Share files with employees and sub-contractors working for the company

🚫 Share files outside the company
🚫 Embed in websites, apps, or games
🚫 Modify or convert the files
🚫 Use with artificial intelligence tools

See the sample Company License certificate →

What does a Website License allow?
Fontef

Website License is registered to a single domain, priced by average monthly visitors.

✅ Embed WOFF2 font files as dynamic text on the registered domain (including subdomains)

🚫 Install on computers
🚫 Use in design software
🚫 Create print materials
🚫 Share font files
🚫 Embed on other domains, apps, or games
🚫 Modify or convert the files
🚫 Use with artificial intelligence tools

See the sample Website License certificate →

What does an Application License allow?
Fontef

Application License is registered to a single app or game, priced by download count.

✅ Embed fonts as dynamic text in the registered application or game

🚫 Install on computers
🚫 Use in design software
🚫 Create print materials
🚫 Share font files
🚫 Embed in other websites or applications
🚫 Modify or convert the files
🚫 Use with artificial intelligence tools

See the sample App License certificate →

What is the difference between Studio and Company licenses?
Fontef

The main difference is file sharing. A Company License allows sharing font files with sub-contractors and suppliers working for the company. All other licenses strictly prohibit sharing — which is why Company licenses cost more.

Company licenses are designed for heavy use within a single organization. Studio licenses are designed for versatile use across different client projects.

Both licenses allow web embedding (WOFF2 files in HTML/CSS) within the licensed entity’s own website.

can-i-buy-the-font-on-behalf-of-my-client
Fontef

We recommend that clients purchase their own license — that way it's registered in their name from the start. But you can make it easy for them: use the Share Cart button in the shopping cart to build the right order and send the link directly to your client for checkout.

i-found-your-fonts-on-adobe-fonts
Fontef

Yes! Several of our fonts are available through Adobe Fonts. If you have an active Creative Cloud subscription, you likely already have access to them at no extra cost — just activate the font in the Adobe Fonts library and it will be available across all your Creative Cloud apps.

One thing worth knowing: the license governing your use is Adobe's own EULA, not ours. We recommend reading it before using the fonts commercially, for web embedding, or in apps — some use cases have specific conditions under Adobe's terms that differ from a direct purchase.

i-found-your-fonts-on-fontstand
Fontef

Yes — some of our fonts are available on Fontstand for both free trial and monthly rental. The trial lets you use each font for up to one hour per month at no cost, which is great for testing in real projects before committing.

The license that applies to your use is Fontstand's own EULA, not ours. We recommend reading it before using rented fonts for commercial work, web embedding, or any other specific use case — the terms can differ from a direct purchase.

freelancer-separate-license-for-each-client
Fontef

No — a Studio License covers all your client work, regardless of how many clients you have. What it doesn't cover is giving the font files to clients; if a client needs to install the font themselves, they need their own license.

can-i-put-the-font-on-a-shared-team-drive
Fontef

Only if everyone with access is covered by the same license. A Company License explicitly allows this within the licensed organization — sharing via a drive with clients, contractors, or anyone outside the license is not permitted.

can-i-upgrade-if-i-bought-the-wrong-license
Fontef

Yes — contact us and we'll apply the price difference as an upgrade. No need to repurchase from scratch.

company-acquired-or-rebranded
Fontef

A rebrand (same legal entity, new name) doesn't affect the license at all. An acquisition that transfers legal ownership to a new entity is a different situation — reach out and we'll figure out the right path together.

team-member-left-does-license-stay
Fontef

Yes — the license belongs to the organization, not the individual. When someone leaves, their copy of the font should be removed from their personal devices; the license remains fully valid for your team.

Do you offer custom font design services?
Fontef

Yes. We design custom typefaces for clients who need something unique — a font family built specifically around your brand or project. If you have a vision or specific requirements, we’d love to hear about them.

Why would anyone need a custom font?
Fontef

The reasons vary. Some brands need a typeface that works across Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin — a multilingual challenge very few studios in the world can handle at a high level. Others want total design freedom, or simply don’t want to share a typeface with competitors.

Licensing is also a common driver: a custom font comes with unlimited internal distribution, cutting through the per-seat, per-website complexity of standard licenses.

And sometimes it’s simpler than all that — a brand that’s spent years building a voice doesn’t want to share it.

How long does a custom font project take?
Fontef

It depends on the scope. A single weight of a display face can take a few weeks; a full multilingual family — Hebrew, Latin, Arabic, multiple weights — is typically a months-long process. Some projects evolve over time as the brief develops and refinements accumulate.
After an initial conversation, we put together a realistic timeline as part of the proposal. We don’t rush type design — it tends to show.

How much does a custom font cost?
Fontef

Custom type design is a meaningful investment — one that tends to pay off as an asset your brand owns and controls indefinitely. Pricing varies widely depending on scope: number of scripts, weights, OpenType features, and what level of ownership is agreed upon.

Rather than quote a range that wouldn’t mean much, we’d rather hear about your project and send a detailed proposal with a clear fixed price. Write to us to start the conversation.

Do I own the font after the project is complete?
Fontef

That depends on what we agree on at the start. There are two main models:

Exclusive license — you get full control over how the font is used (no one else can license it), but the source files stay with us. We remain responsible for maintenance and updates.

Full IP transfer — you own everything, including the source files. This is priced higher, but it means complete independence going forward.

We’ll lay out both options clearly in the proposal so you can choose what makes sense for your organization.

Can you extend or adapt an existing Fontef font?
Fontef

Yes — and sometimes it’s the smartest path. Starting from an existing, well-made typeface means the proportions, spacing, and technical foundations are already solid. From there we can add characters, adapt letterforms to fit a brand’s personality, expand to a new script, or add missing weights.

This approach is usually faster and more cost-efficient than building from scratch, and the results integrate naturally with the existing family.

do-your-fonts-support-niqqud
Fontef

Yes — all our fonts include full diacritic support, including niqqud, making them ready for religious texts, educational materials, children's books, and any content that requires fully vowelized Hebrew.

punctuation-wrong-place-in-hebrew-text
Fontef

This is a BiDi (bidirectional text) issue — your app or browser is misreading the text direction. In most design apps, explicitly setting the paragraph direction to RTL fixes it. In CSS: direction: rtl; unicode-bidi: embed; on the text element.

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Fontef

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