freetype ☆
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Description:
Software library to render fonts
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Developer tools
Tags: font rendering graphics library truetype
Install: brew install freetype
About:
FreeType is a freely available software library to render fonts. It provides high-quality anti-aliased glyph rendering, supports TrueType and OpenType formats, and is used by major systems like Android and macOS. Its main value is providing a robust, portable engine for displaying text in applications.
Key Features:
  • High-quality anti-aliased glyph rendering
  • Support for TrueType, OpenType, and Type 1 formats
  • HarfBuzz integration for complex text layout
  • Subpixel rendering for LCD screens
Use Cases:
  • Rendering fonts in GUI applications and operating systems
  • Game development for text display
  • Server-side image generation involving text
Alternatives:
  • HarfBuzz – HarfBuzz focuses on text shaping (glyph positioning), while FreeType focuses on glyph rendering (rasterization). They are often used together.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Feb 8, 2026 9:55pm 2 REVISION_ONLY dba353f3
Sep 18, 2025 12:49pm 1 VERSION_BUMP c2d8d849
Sep 12, 2025 6:21am 0 VERSION_BUMP a978ce64
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