Licensing Model
There is currently a shift in the type design world aimed at simplifing licensing practices and we hope this page helps to clarify our approach. We follow the new value-based license model as introduced by ABC Dinamo, as opposed to the former use-based model.
A typeface is a design asset that brings value to the client who commissions the design. Thus, we believe a typeface should be licensed and paid for by the client – not by the designer or design agency (as before). The idea is that a typeface is factored into the project budget in the same way as licensing fees for other assets such as photography or illustration.
The graphic designer acts as facilitator between the client and the type foundry. Designers are provided with full Trial Fonts free of charge to create their proposal.
Once a typeface has been chosen for the project, the client purchases the appropriate License Types for use in their project. The pricing depends on metrics such as Company Size, Pipeline Stage, eligibility for Discounts, and whether the font will be shared with Subcontractors.
If a designer wants to use a font for multiple clients, it must be licensed and purchased by each client individually.
⛓️ License Types
There are three different License Types available to cover the most common areas of application within a design project:
• Desktop
• Web
• App
See below for detailed descriptions.
👯 Company Size
The volume of the license is determined by one metric only: the number of employees of the client’s company. It is a good indicator of the business value, reach and impact the typeface carries for a client.
This is why it is called the value-based licensing model, as opposed to the former use-based model which depended on multiple metrics hard to project and verify such as installation count, website traffic, app downloads etc.
Read more in this article by masterminds ABC Dinamo.
🕸️ Pipeline Stages
Typeface development is a complex process that usually spans years from first idea to completion. By introducing our Pipeline we are able to make our typefaces available at different stages of development and price them accordingly. It allows us to publish early releases for a heavily discounted price.
See below for a detailed explanation.
⚽️ Trial Fonts
Designers can request Trial Fonts here to test a typeface within their designs. Our trials include the full (currently available) character set of each typeface.
Trial use is only allowed for testing purposes. It is not permitted to use trials for external, commercial or public use. Once the typeface is chosen for a project, an appropriate paid license must be acquired.
🗯️ Discounts
We offer a discount of 25% for non-profit organisations and 75% for students. Please provide relevant documentation to info@commatype.com before making your purchase and we will provide you with a discount code.
🎡 Subcontractors
A third-party subcontractor is any entity in addition to the client and the commissioned first designer/agency.
In the case that the font will be shared with third-party subcontractors, such as producers, further creatives or agencies, etc., a license add-on is required to account for this. This can be selected during the checkout process and corresponds to 25% of the license price.
License Types
Comma Type offers three different License Types that cover the most common use cases. If you are unsure which types apply to your project or your licensing requirements exceed those offered, please contact us directly via info@commatype.com. We also offer an Unlimited License on request. Have a look at our End User License Agreement for more information.
🖥️ Desktop
For use in print and screen projects
• Desktop applications (Keynote, Office Suite, etc.)
• Printed media (books, magazines, posters, flyers, merchandise, etc.)
• Social media assets
• Motion, video
• Printed and digital ads
Font formats:
.otf, .ttf
🌐 Web
For use in web projects
• Websites
• Web applications
Font formats:
.woff, .woff2
🤳 App
For use in app projects
• Mobile apps
• Games
• E-publications
Font formats:
.otf, .ttf
Pipeline
Typeface development is a complex process that usually spans years from first idea to completion. We operate with a publishing pipeline that allows us to provide typefaces in earlier stages of development for a discounted price. It also helps to clearly communicate updates to a typeface. Each typeface’s current pipeline stage is indicated on its respective typeface page.
Each stage is associated with a pricing tier. This reflects the rising level of refinement, growing character set, and amount of features.
Regardless of their stage, all fonts are of course fully functional, thoroughly tested and ready for use.
B
Why purchase a typeface at an earlier stage?
🚀 To be at the forefront
As one of the first clients to use the typeface, your design will stand out uniquely.
🤝 To get a good deal
Typefaces at earlier stages are heavily discounted. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of the typeface at a great price.
🔄 To provide valuable feedback
By getting an early feel for which designs resonate, we will know where to invest our resources towards further development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modification and customisation
Is it possible to extend or modify a typeface?
It is prohibited to edit the font in a font editor, to re-export or to duplicate the file.
You may convert the font to outlines inside your design software and modify those vector outlines in the artwork.
For any extensions or modifications beyond this, we are happy to discuss a custom adaptation as part of a commission. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com.
The typeface is missing a character that I need.
On our typeface pages and by testing our trial fonts you can check which characters are part of the typeface before purchase. If you need additional characters, we are happy to discuss a custom adaptation as part of a commission. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com.
Licensing
Can the font be shared with a third party?
If a Subcontractor license add-on is purchased, the font may be shared with third parties required for the production of the project (further designers, agencies, printers, etc.). All subcontrators must adhere to the End User License Agreement. The font must be deleted by third parties after completion of the project.
If no Subcontractor license add-on was purchased and you need to add one at a later point, please contact us at info@commatype.com with the original invoice and we will provide you with an appropriate discount code.
Purchasing process
Can I get a refund?
All sales are final. Since typefaces are available as instant digital downloads, they are non-refundable.
If the font doesn’t work as expected, please get in touch through info@commatype.com within 30 days of purchase.
I am a designer. Can I purchase a license on my client’s behalf?
If you are the designer, you may purchase a license on your client’s behalf. Be sure to enter your client as the License Owner during the checkout process.
Important: your client must be named as License Owner and must adhere to the End User License Agreement.
My company size is larger than the maximum size available in the checkout process.
Please get in touch at info@commatype.com to receive a custom quote.
Discounts
Do you offer discounts for students?
We offer a discount of 75% for students for non-commercial, personal, self-initiated work as part of their studies. Please contact us at info@commatype.com and provide a valid student ID for verification. We will provide you with a discount code.
The font file may not be shared amongst other students.
For commissions and client projects, even if the designer is still a student, the client will need to purchase a new license appropriate for the project and company size.
Do you offer discounts for cultural and non-profit organizations?
We offer a 25% discount for cultural and non-profit organizations. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com with relevant documentation for verification. We will provide you with a discount code.
Upgrades
Can I do a Pipeline upgrade once a new version of the typeface comes out?
Yes, for sure! Bear in mind that every Pipeline Stage correlates with a slight increase in pricing. Just get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
My company has grown. Do I need an upgrade?
Yes, you need a license appropriate to your new company size. But don’t worry, you don’t need to pay twice for what you already have. Please get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice as well as information about your new company size. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
I need an additional license type. How do I upgrade?
Let’s say you have already purchased a Desktop license and now you also need a Web license. Just go through the checkout process normally. If you only wish to add another license type you are not paying twice even if you have purchased a different license before.
If, however, the company size metric has also changed, please get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice as well as information about the desired license upgrade and new company size. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
Installation
I have installed the typeface and it doesn’t work as expected.
Please get in touch through info@commatype.com within 30 days of purchase and we will work with you to find a solution.
All of the font names start with CMM. What does CMM mean?
CMM is short for Comma Type. We prepend every font name with this abbreviation so that all our fonts show up in your font list grouped together. This helps maintain an overview over which of our fonts you have installed already. It also serves as a small reminder of us as distributors of those fonts, which will make it easier to find us in case you want to look up or purchase one of our fonts sometime in the future.
Licensing Model
There is currently a shift in the type design world aimed at simplifing licensing practices and we hope this page helps to clarify our approach. We follow the new value-based license model as introduced by ABC Dinamo, as opposed to the former use-based model.
A typeface is a design asset that brings value to the client who commissions the design. Thus, we believe a typeface should be licensed and paid for by the client – not by the designer or design agency (as before). The idea is that a typeface is factored into the project budget in the same way as licensing fees for other assets such as photography or illustration.
The graphic designer acts as facilitator between the client and the type foundry. Designers are provided with full Trial Fonts free of charge to create their proposal.
Once a typeface has been chosen for the project, the client purchases the appropriate License Types for use in their project. The pricing depends on metrics such as Company Size, Pipeline Stage, eligibility for Discounts, and whether the font will be shared with Subcontractors.
If a designer wants to use a font for multiple clients, it must be licensed and purchased by each client individually.
⛓️ License Types
There are three different License Types available to cover the most common areas of application within a design project:
• Desktop
• Web
• App
See below for detailed descriptions.
👯 Company Size
The volume of the license is determined by one metric only: the number of employees of the client’s company. It is a good indicator of the business value, reach and impact the typeface carries for a client.
This is why it is called the value-based licensing model, as opposed to the former use-based model which depended on multiple metrics hard to project and verify such as installation count, website traffic, app downloads etc.
Read more in this article by masterminds ABC Dinamo.
🕸️ Pipeline Stages
Typeface development is a complex process that usually spans years from first idea to completion. By introducing our Pipeline we are able to make our typefaces available at different stages of development and price them accordingly. It allows us to publish early releases for a heavily discounted price.
See below for a detailed explanation.
⚽️ Trial Fonts
Designers can request Trial Fonts here to test a typeface within their designs. Our trials include the full (currently available) character set of each typeface.
Trial use is only allowed for testing purposes. It is not permitted to use trials for external, commercial or public use. Once the typeface is chosen for a project, an appropriate paid license must be acquired.
🗯️ Discounts
We offer a discount of 25% for non-profit organisations and 75% for students. Please provide relevant documentation to info@commatype.com before making your purchase and we will provide you with a discount code.
🎡 Subcontractors
A third-party subcontractor is any entity in addition to the client and the commissioned first designer/agency.
In the case that the font will be shared with third-party subcontractors, such as producers, further creatives or agencies, etc., a license add-on is required to account for this. This can be selected during the checkout process and corresponds to 25% of the license price.
License Types
Comma Type offers three different License Types that cover the most common use cases. If you are unsure which types apply to your project or your licensing requirements exceed those offered, please contact us directly via info@commatype.com. We also offer an Unlimited License on request. Have a look at our End User License Agreement for more information.
🖥️ Desktop
For use in print and screen projects
• Desktop applications (Keynote, Office Suite, etc.)
• Printed media (books, magazines, posters, flyers, merchandise, etc.)
• Social media assets
• Motion, video
• Printed and digital ads
Font formats:
.otf, .ttf
🌐 Web
For use in web projects
• Websites
• Web applications
Font formats:
.woff, .woff2
🤳 App
For use in app projects
• Mobile apps
• Games
• E-publications
Font formats:
.otf, .ttf
Pipeline
Typeface development is a complex process that usually spans years from first idea to completion. We operate with a publishing pipeline that allows us to provide typefaces in earlier stages of development for a discounted price. It also helps to clearly communicate updates to a typeface. Each typeface’s current pipeline stage is indicated on its respective typeface page.
Each stage is associated with a pricing tier. This reflects the rising level of refinement, growing character set, and amount of features.
Regardless of their stage, all fonts are of course fully functional, thoroughly tested and ready for use.
B
Why purchase a typeface at an earlier stage?
🚀 To be at the forefront
As one of the first clients to use the typeface, your design will stand out uniquely.
🤝 To get a good deal
Typefaces at earlier stages are heavily discounted. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of the typeface at a great price.
🔄 To provide valuable feedback
By getting an early feel for which designs resonate, we will know where to invest our resources towards further development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modification and customisation
Is it possible to extend or modify a typeface?
It is prohibited to edit the font in a font editor, to re-export or to duplicate the file.
You may convert the font to outlines inside your design software and modify those vector outlines in the artwork.
For any extensions or modifications beyond this, we are happy to discuss a custom adaptation as part of a commission. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com.
The typeface is missing a character that I need.
On our typeface pages and by testing our trial fonts you can check which characters are part of the typeface before purchase. If you need additional characters, we are happy to discuss a custom adaptation as part of a commission. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com.
Licensing
Can the font be shared with a third party?
If a Subcontractor license add-on is purchased, the font may be shared with third parties required for the production of the project (further designers, agencies, printers, etc.). All subcontrators must adhere to the End User License Agreement. The font must be deleted by third parties after completion of the project.
If no Subcontractor license add-on was purchased and you need to add one at a later point, please contact us at info@commatype.com with the original invoice and we will provide you with an appropriate discount code.
Purchasing process
Can I get a refund?
All sales are final. Since typefaces are available as instant digital downloads, they are non-refundable.
If the font doesn’t work as expected, please get in touch through info@commatype.com within 30 days of purchase.
I am a designer. Can I purchase a license on my client’s behalf?
If you are the designer, you may purchase a license on your client’s behalf. Be sure to enter your client as the License Owner during the checkout process.
Important: your client must be named as License Owner and must adhere to the End User License Agreement.
My company size is larger than the maximum size available in the checkout process.
Please get in touch at info@commatype.com to receive a custom quote.
Discounts
Do you offer discounts for students?
We offer a discount of 75% for students for non-commercial, personal, self-initiated work as part of their studies. Please contact us at info@commatype.com and provide a valid student ID for verification. We will provide you with a discount code.
The font file may not be shared amongst other students.
For commissions and client projects, even if the designer is still a student, the client will need to purchase a new license appropriate for the project and company size.
Do you offer discounts for cultural and non-profit organizations?
We offer a 25% discount for cultural and non-profit organizations. Please get in touch at info@commatype.com with relevant documentation for verification. We will provide you with a discount code.
Upgrades
Can I do a Pipeline upgrade once a new version of the typeface comes out?
Yes, for sure! Bear in mind that every Pipeline Stage correlates with a slight increase in pricing. Just get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
My company has grown. Do I need an upgrade?
Yes, you need a license appropriate to your new company size. But don’t worry, you don’t need to pay twice for what you already have. Please get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice as well as information about your new company size. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
I need an additional license type. How do I upgrade?
Let’s say you have already purchased a Desktop license and now you also need a Web license. Just go through the checkout process normally. If you only wish to add another license type you are not paying twice even if you have purchased a different license before.
If, however, the company size metric has also changed, please get in contact with us at info@commatype.com with your previous invoice as well as information about the desired license upgrade and new company size. We will deduct the existing license fee so that you only have to cover the difference.
Installation
I have installed the typeface and it doesn’t work as expected.
Please get in touch through info@commatype.com within 30 days of purchase and we will work with you to find a solution.
All of the font names start with CMM. What does CMM mean?
CMM is short for Comma Type. We prepend every font name with this abbreviation so that all our fonts show up in your font list grouped together. This helps maintain an overview over which of our fonts you have installed already. It also serves as a small reminder of us as distributors of those fonts, which will make it easier to find us in case you want to look up or purchase one of our fonts sometime in the future.
Comma Set C
453 characters
Basic Latin + Latin-1 Supplement + Latin Extended-A + Mac Roman + Comma Type Standards
Uppercase
A Á Ă Â Ä À Ā Ą Å Ã Æ B C Ć Č Ç Ĉ Ċ D Ď Đ Ð E É Ĕ Ě Ê Ë Ė È Ē Ę F G Ğ Ĝ Ģ Ġ H Ħ Ĥ I Í Ĭ Î Ï İ Ì Ī Į Ĩ J J́ Ĵ K Ķ L Ĺ Ľ Ļ Ŀ Ł M N Ń Ň Ņ Ñ Ŋ O Ó Ŏ Ô Ö Ò Ő Ō Ø Õ Œ P Þ Q R Ŕ Ř Ŗ S Ś Š Ş Ŝ Ș ẞ T Ŧ Ť Ţ Ț U Ú Ŭ Û Ü Ù Ű Ū Ų Ů Ũ V W Ẃ Ŵ Ẅ Ẁ X Y Ý Ŷ Ÿ Ỳ Z Ź Ž Ż
Lowercase
a á ă â ä à ā ą å ã æ b c ć č ç ĉ ċ d ď đ ð e é ĕ ě ê ë ė è ē ę f fi fl g ğ ĝ ģ ġ h ħ ĥ i ı í ĭ î ï ì ī į ĩ j ȷ j́ ĵ k ķ ĸ l ĺ ľ ļ ŀ ł m n ń ň ņ ñ ŋ o ó ŏ ô ö ò ő ō ø õ œ p þ q r ŕ ř ŗ s ś š ş ŝ ș ß t ŧ ť ţ ț u ú ŭ û ü ù ű ū ų ů ũ v w ẃ ŵ ẅ ẁ x y ý ŷ ÿ ỳ z ź ž ż
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ⁄ ½ ¼ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞ ₀ ₁ ₂ ₃ ₄ ₅ ₆ ₇ ₈ ₉ ⁰ ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ · / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ « » ‹ › " '
Symbols
@ & ¶ § © ® ™ ° | ¦ † ‡ ^ % ‰ • * # ◊ Ω π
Currency Symbols
฿ ƒ $ ¢ € ₴ ₺ ₽ ₹ ₪ £ ₩ ¥ ¤
Mathematical operators
+ − × ÷ = ≠ > < ≥ ≤ ± ≈ ~ ¬ ∞ ∫ Ω ∆ ∏ ∑ √ µ ∂
Arrows
↑ ↗ → ↘ ↓ ↙ ← ↖ ↔ ↕
Comma Set C
453 characters
Basic Latin + Latin-1 Supplement + Latin Extended-A + Mac Roman + Comma Type Standards
Uppercase
A Á Ă Â Ä À Ā Ą Å Ã Æ B C Ć Č Ç Ĉ Ċ D Ď Đ Ð E É Ĕ Ě Ê Ë Ė È Ē Ę F G Ğ Ĝ Ģ Ġ H Ħ Ĥ I Í Ĭ Î Ï İ Ì Ī Į Ĩ J J́ Ĵ K Ķ L Ĺ Ľ Ļ Ŀ Ł M N Ń Ň Ņ Ñ Ŋ O Ó Ŏ Ô Ö Ò Ő Ō Ø Õ Œ P Þ Q R Ŕ Ř Ŗ S Ś Š Ş Ŝ Ș ẞ T Ŧ Ť Ţ Ț U Ú Ŭ Û Ü Ù Ű Ū Ų Ů Ũ V W Ẃ Ŵ Ẅ Ẁ X Y Ý Ŷ Ÿ Ỳ Z Ź Ž Ż
Lowercase
a á ă â ä à ā ą å ã æ b c ć č ç ĉ ċ d ď đ ð e é ĕ ě ê ë ė è ē ę f fi fl g ğ ĝ ģ ġ h ħ ĥ i ı í ĭ î ï ì ī į ĩ j ȷ j́ ĵ k ķ ĸ l ĺ ľ ļ ŀ ł m n ń ň ņ ñ ŋ o ó ŏ ô ö ò ő ō ø õ œ p þ q r ŕ ř ŗ s ś š ş ŝ ș ß t ŧ ť ţ ț u ú ŭ û ü ù ű ū ų ů ũ v w ẃ ŵ ẅ ẁ x y ý ŷ ÿ ỳ z ź ž ż
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ⁄ ½ ¼ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞ ₀ ₁ ₂ ₃ ₄ ₅ ₆ ₇ ₈ ₉ ⁰ ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ · / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ « » ‹ › " '
Symbols
@ & ¶ § © ® ™ ° | ¦ † ‡ ^ % ‰ • * # ◊ Ω π
Currency Symbols
฿ ƒ $ ¢ € ₴ ₺ ₽ ₹ ₪ £ ₩ ¥ ¤
Mathematical operators
+ − × ÷ = ≠ > < ≥ ≤ ± ≈ ~ ¬ ∞ ∫ Ω ∆ ∏ ∑ √ µ ∂
Arrows
↑ ↗ → ↘ ↓ ↙ ← ↖ ↔ ↕
Comma Set B
216 characters
Basic Latin + Latin-1 Supplement + Mac Roman
Uppercase
A Á Â Ä À Å Ã Æ B C Ç D Ð E É Ê Ë È F G H I Í Î Ï Ì J K L M N Ñ O Ó Ô Ö Ò Ø Õ Œ P Þ Q R S ẞ T U Ú Û Ü Ù V W X Y Ý Ÿ Z
Lowercase
a á â ä à å ã æ b c ç d ð e é ê ë è f fi fl g h i ı í î ï ì j k l m n ñ o ó ô ö ò ø õ œ p þ q r s ß t u ú û ü ù v w x y ý ÿ z
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ½ ¼ ¾ ¹ ² ³
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ · / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ « » ‹ › " '
Symbols
@ & ¶ § © ® ™ ° | ^ % • * #
Currency Symbols
$ ¢ € £ ¥ ¤
Mathematical operators
+ − × ÷ = ≠ > < ≥ ≤ ≈ ¬ µ
Comma Set B
216 characters
Basic Latin + Latin-1 Supplement + Mac Roman
Uppercase
A Á Â Ä À Å Ã Æ B C Ç D Ð E É Ê Ë È F G H I Í Î Ï Ì J K L M N Ñ O Ó Ô Ö Ò Ø Õ Œ P Þ Q R S ẞ T U Ú Û Ü Ù V W X Y Ý Ÿ Z
Lowercase
a á â ä à å ã æ b c ç d ð e é ê ë è f fi fl g h i ı í î ï ì j k l m n ñ o ó ô ö ò ø õ œ p þ q r s ß t u ú û ü ù v w x y ý ÿ z
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ½ ¼ ¾ ¹ ² ³
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ · / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ « » ‹ › " '
Symbols
@ & ¶ § © ® ™ ° | ^ % • * #
Currency Symbols
$ ¢ € £ ¥ ¤
Mathematical operators
+ − × ÷ = ≠ > < ≥ ≤ ≈ ¬ µ
Comma Set A
116 characters
Basic Latin + Comma Standards
Uppercase
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Lowercase
a b c d e f g h i ı j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ " '
Symbols
@ & ° • * # %
Currency Symbols
$ € £
Mathematical operators
+ − =
Comma Set A
116 characters
Basic Latin + Comma Standards
Uppercase
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Lowercase
a b c d e f g h i ı j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Numbers
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Punctuation
. , : ; … ! ¡ ? ¿ / \ - – — _ ( ) { } [ ] ‚ „ “ ” ‘ ’ " '
Symbols
@ & ° • * # %
Currency Symbols
$ € £
Mathematical operators
+ − =