Why there is no Windows version of Glyphs

Every once in a while, we receive a request for a Windows version of Glyphs. While we do not generally say no to going cross-platform, such a venture currently appears economically unfeasible. Even if every request would translate into a sold license (which is a very optimistic assumption), the sales would not cover the additional costs for development and support. And we are sad to say, not by long shot.

To make matters worse, most of these few requests are not for the full version of Glyphs, but for Glyphs Mini. So, we would have to invest a six-figure number for an expected revenue of a few hundred dollars per year. We cannot do that. However, if you believe the Windows market deserves that investment, and you are that investor willing to take such a risk, please do get in touch. Though, be advised that you will probably lose a lot of money this way.

Type design is a Mac business

For now, all we can say is that type design seems to be happening almost exclusively on the Mac platform. We see that at every conference we visit, at every school at which we give workshops, and in the many personal conversations we have with fellow type designers. In other words, it would be cheaper for us to hand out Macs to all the people asking for a Windows version than to actually produce, manage and maintain a Windows version. But we do not do that either, obviously.

Until that changes, we have to decline those requests. Sorry.

Update: 2021-03-07: minor rephrasing and updated image.
Update 2022-08-03: minor formatting.