A bitmap font is an image/texture file (just like a sprite sheet), and a text file with the glyphs coordinates. For each glyph, you will find its size and position on the texture file, and different parameters for the text positions when you write a sentence (the kernings for example).
Using a bitmap font in a game allows a faster rendering compared to a traditional true type font rendering, and you can of course add any graphic effects on it (as it is pre-rendered in a texture, it will take the same time as a sprite to be displayed on screen).
With color or gradient, custom width.
Select the orientation, color and blur size.
Trasparent, color, gradient, glossy and even with a texture!
Use any ttf or otf fonts. Import your own fonts.
Work on specific glyph only, without affecting the others.
Kerning tables support.
See exactly how it will look like on your device. Import your own background.
Finds the best texture size automatically. Power of 2 compatible.
Export the preview text as a png.
Replace a glyph with your custom image (ex: a coin instead of the letter ‘@’)
Support all unicode characters. Complete known charset presets included.
Use any ttf or otf fonts. Import your own fonts.
The shaded material filter produces a shaded image from a height field mask. It's more advanced than a simple texture applied to your font. It gives amazing results, play with the built-in textures or import your own, and give volume to your bitmap font!
The SpriteKit implementation is very nice even though it claims to be in beta. In general the editor has nothing I could think of adding, it’s just very well thought through and works smoothly. I use it extensively through my game projects. The export methods make for quick editing and changing of existing fonts. The developer answers e-mails himself and is very helpful and nice to talk to. I’ve given it five stars because it’s an outstanding tool that delivers as promised.
This is a great tool. It has everything you need, and the support is also great. Definitely worth the money.
Excellent software, I use it with UIToolkit + Unity 3D and it’s great. Excellent support from the author and fair price.
I use this for all me development AND illustration needs. It has gotten better over the months and now really covers all my font rendering needs. And it’s great fun to play around with!