Install

Install Rust with rustup, then install Runebender:

cargo install --git https://github.com/fontgarden/runebender
runebender path/to/Font.designspace

The package and executable are runebender. Run it without arguments to open the editor. Subcommands such as runebender info Font.ufo --json and runebender mcp --live run without opening a window.

Use Rust 1.96 or newer. Runebender opens UFO and designspace sources. Start without a path to open a font through File → Open.

Runebender is alpha software. Keep your sources in version control. There is no packaged desktop release yet. Platform prerequisites and build instructions are in the repository.

The Windows build and headless commands pass basic checks, but the native application currently crashes during startup in CI. Windows desktop support is not ready to claim yet.

For development, use 64-bit Windows with Rust’s MSVC toolchain. Install the Visual Studio C++ prerequisites, then use the Cargo install command above.

Open directory-based sources from PowerShell:

runebender 'C:\Fonts\Font-Regular.ufo'

The Windows file picker currently selects files, so pass UFO, Glyphs Package, and Babelfont directory paths on the command line. The Windows checks cover compilation, font inspection, SVG proof, editor rendering, and native window startup and shutdown; the native check is currently failing. Editing, dialogs, input methods, and graphics drivers still need hands-on Windows testing. No installer or ARM build is available yet.

Live MCP connections and the live chat bridge currently require macOS or Linux. Headless info and proof do not need those services.

git clone https://github.com/fontgarden/runebender
cd runebender
cargo run --release -- path/to/Font.designspace

Cargo uses the repository’s pinned toolchain. See Development for checks and the code layout.

For an optimized local build that favors shorter rebuilds while working on the UI, use:

cargo run --profile fast --locked -- path/to/Font.designspace

Its first build fills a separate cache, and later builds reuse incremental compilation data. See Development for the profile’s tradeoffs.

Launch Application to try the real Runebender interface in your browser. Explore the bundled Virtua Grotesk font, open a glyph, drag outline points, undo and redo edits, zoom, and resize the panels.

Edits stay in this tab and are discarded on reload. Use the desktop application to open or save your own fonts and run local AI workflows.

For automation, see MCP and Scripting. For model setup, see Set up local AI. These tools are optional; they are not needed to install the editor.