FIGlet is a command-line application that transforms ordinary text into large decorative lettering constructed from smaller characters. Its name comes from Frank, Ian and Glenn’s Letters.
The program uses specially designed text fonts to generate banners of different shapes and sizes. These can be displayed in terminals, incorporated into scripts or included in documentation where a large heading is desirable.
FIGlet is particularly well known for its flexible character spacing. It can preserve the full width of each character, reduce the space between adjacent letters or combine parts of neighbouring characters to produce more compact lettering.
The application supports a dedicated font format and provides utilities for inspecting available typefaces. Its approach has influenced numerous other character-based banner generators.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Converts ordinary text into large character-based banners.
- Supports multiple decorative FIGlet fonts.
- Allows additional fonts to be supplied by users.
- Controls the maximum width of generated text.
- Supports left, centre and right alignment.
- Uses kerning to reduce unnecessary spacing between letters.
- Combines adjacent character shapes through smushing.
- Supports different horizontal layout modes.
- Provides control files for character translation.
- Includes tools for listing and examining available fonts.
- Processes text supplied through standard input.
Website: github.com/cmatsuoka/figlet
Support:
Developer: Glenn Chappell, Ian Chai and contributors
License: BSD 3-Clause ‘New’ or ‘Revised’ License
FIGlet is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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