§ Frequently Asked Questions

Probably what you're thinking.

§ 1 General Questions

1-1. What is TypeSpan?

TypeSpan is a time tracking and workflow reporting plugin for Glyphs.app. It automatically records how long you spend designing each glyph. This helps you understand your workflow and estimate project timelines. You can also share progress reports with clients or team members.

1-2. How does TypeSpan track my time?

TypeSpan starts tracking when you edit a glyph and pauses when you stop. It runs in the background and does not require manual timers. All tracking data is stored locally in your Glyphs font files.

1-3. Does TypeSpan count idle time?

No. TypeSpan only records time when you are actively editing glyphs. If you switch to another app, lock your screen, or leave Glyphs.app without interacting with the edit view, tracking pauses automatically. Time is only logged when activity is detected in the active glyph.

1-4. Is my data private?

Yes. Your time tracking data stays in your local font files. When you generate a web report, the data is temporarily uploaded to your private report (/report). This private report expires 1 hour after export.

If you are a Pro subscriber and choose to create a public share link (/share), that data is retained on our servers until you manually close the link. We do not collect or store your glyph shapes or font files. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

§ 2 Installation & Setup

2-1. How do I install TypeSpan?

Before installing, make sure you have Python and Vanilla installed via the Glyphs Plugin Manager. Then download the plugin from our website, double-click the .glyphsReporter file to install it, and restart Glyphs.app. TypeSpan will appear in the View menu under "Show TypeSpan".

2-2. Which versions of Glyphs does TypeSpan support?

TypeSpan requires Glyphs 3 or later with Python 3 and Vanilla installed.

2-3. Is my Mac compatible with TypeSpan?

As long as your Mac can run Glyphs 3 and you have installed Python and Vanilla through the Glyphs Plugin Manager, you can use TypeSpan.

2-4. Can I use TypeSpan on Windows?

No. TypeSpan is built specifically for Glyphs.app, which only runs on macOS.

2-5. How do I connect my Pro account to the plugin?

After subscribing to Pro, go to your Account page and generate an API Key. In Glyphs.app, open the TypeSpan settings panel, paste your API Key in the designated field, and save. The plugin will verify your subscription and unlock Pro features immediately.

2-6. How do I update the plugin?

TypeSpan updates are distributed through the Glyphs Plugin Manager. Updates are usually applied automatically in the background. You can also manually uninstall and reinstall the plugin to ensure you are on the latest version.

2-7. Does TypeSpan work offline?

Time tracking works completely offline inside Glyphs.app. You only need an internet connection when you want to generate and share web reports, since those require uploading data to our servers.

If you are on the Pro Plan and have entered your API Key in the plugin, a connection is required at least once every 7 days to verify your Pro subscription. If verification fails, the plugin will continue working but Pro features will be unavailable until the next successful check.

2-8. Can I use TypeSpan with multiple font files open at the same time?

Yes. TypeSpan tracks each font file independently. Time is recorded for whichever file is active in the foreground. If you switch between open files, tracking follows your focus automatically.

§ 3 Pricing & Plans

3-1. Is TypeSpan free?

TypeSpan offers both a Hobby Plan and a paid Pro subscription. Whether you need Pro depends on how you use TypeSpan.

3-2. What's included in the Hobby Plan?

The Hobby Plan includes all core time tracking features. You can track time for individual glyphs and masters, view your work in Glyphs.app, and generate web reports. Each font file can track up to 2,000 minutes. The Hobby Plan is only available for personal, non-commercial font projects.

3-3. When do I need a Pro subscription?

You need Pro if you are working on commercial fonts or if you are using TypeSpan as part of an organization or company. Here is a quick reference:

IndividualOrganization / Company
Commercial fontsProPro
Non-commercial fontsHobbyPro

In other words: only personal, non-commercial font projects can use the Hobby Plan. All commercial work requires Pro, and organizations or companies need Pro regardless of whether the fonts are commercial.

3-4. Can I try TypeSpan before subscribing?

Yes. The Hobby Plan is your trial. There is no separate trial period for Pro. Use Hobby for as long as you need.

If your work requires Pro, you can subscribe at any time. Pro is required for commercial projects, organizations, and sharing reports. See 3-3 for when Pro is required.

3-5. Why a subscription?

Many productivity tools have disappeared over the years because they could not sustain development. TypeSpan uses a subscription model to avoid this pattern. Here is why this approach makes sense:

  • TypeSpan tracks time across your entire project, from first sketches to final delivery.
  • Regular updates keep the plugin working smoothly as Glyphs evolves. Bug fixes and improvements happen continuously rather than waiting for paid upgrades.
  • A lower monthly cost is easier to manage than a large one-time payment. If you need TypeSpan for a single project, you can subscribe for just that period.
  • Consistent revenue means I can focus on building features the type design community actually needs, not just chasing new customers to stay afloat.

3-6. Why this price?

Pro is $10 USD per person per month, or $96 USD per year, excluding applicable taxes. Taxes are calculated at checkout based on your location and applicable regulations.

TypeSpan eliminates manual time tracking. Instead of stopping to record your work or reconstructing timelines from memory, everything happens automatically in the background. For designers billing by the hour or managing multiple projects, this saves significant time each week.

The reports TypeSpan generates also make it easier to discuss project scope with clients. You can show exactly how long each phase took, which helps justify your rates and set realistic expectations for future work.

If the standard pricing does not work for your situation, please contact us and we can discuss options.

3-7. Can I share my account with someone else?

No. Each subscription is for one person. You can use TypeSpan on multiple devices you own, but sharing your account credentials with other people violates our Terms of Service.

The pricing is set to be affordable for individual designers. If cost is a concern, contact us to discuss options.

§ 4 Billing & Payments

4-1. How can I pay for TypeSpan?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through Paddle. If you need a different payment option, please contact us and we will see what we can arrange.

4-2. Can I subscribe for a full year?

Yes. You can choose between monthly ($10 USD/mo) or yearly ($96 USD/yr) billing when subscribing. The yearly plan saves you $24 compared to paying month to month.

4-3. Does my subscription auto-renew?

Yes. TypeSpan Pro subscriptions automatically renew at the per-person monthly or annual rate, plus applicable taxes, until you cancel.

To avoid being charged for the next billing period, cancel before your renewal date via the Account page. Cancellation stops future renewals but does not end your current subscription period early. See 4-4 for full cancellation details.

4-4. Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes. You may cancel your subscription at any time through the Paddle Customer Portal accessible from your Account page. When you cancel:

  • Your subscription will not automatically renew, and you will not be billed again
  • Your subscription remains active until the current billing period ends
  • You may continue to use TypeSpan until then

Note that cancellation does not automatically entitle you to a refund for the current billing period. For refund information, see our Refund Policy.

4-5. What happens to my data if I cancel Pro?

Your local tracking data stays in your font files. Cancelling Pro does not remove anything stored in Glyphs.app.

Existing permanent share links (/share) remain accessible after cancellation. However, you will not be able to create new share links until you resubscribe. If you have tracking data beyond the 2,000-minute Hobby Plan cap, that data remains in your font file but the plugin will stop recording new time until you resubscribe.

4-6. What if I cannot afford the subscription?

If paying for TypeSpan would create real financial difficulty for you, please contact us. Explain your situation, and we can work out something that makes sense for both of us.

4-7. Can I get a refund?

Paddle handles all refund requests. Here are the main situations where refunds are available:

  • If you live in a region with consumer protection laws (like the European Union), you can cancel within 14 days for any reason.
  • If you just started your subscription within the past 30 days and have not used the service extensively, a refund may be possible.
  • If there was a technical problem or billing mistake, refunds are typically granted.

To request a refund, contact Paddle support or contact us. Include your order details and explain what happened. For full details, see our Refund Policy.

4-8. Who is Paddle and why are they emailing me?

Paddle processes all payments for TypeSpan. They act as the merchant of record, handling subscriptions, billing, and refunds. This means payment-related emails come from Paddle rather than TypeSpan directly.

You will receive receipts after each payment and reminders before upcoming charges. If you reply to these emails, you will reach Paddle's support team, not TypeSpan. For payment questions, please contact us or work with Paddle's support.

4-9. Where can I find my receipts?

Paddle sends a receipt by email after each payment. The email includes a "View Receipt" button that opens a webpage showing the full transaction details. From there, you can print the receipt, save it as a PDF, or add your business information like your address, company name, and VAT number.

4-10. How do I handle VAT for my business?

Businesses in some regions can reclaim VAT on software subscriptions. Paddle collects and remits all applicable taxes on behalf of TypeSpan.

To add your VAT number and request a refund, open any receipt email from Paddle and click the "Payment details" button. On the receipt page, look for the "Update invoice" link and enter your business address, company name, and VAT number. Paddle will process your refund automatically if your VAT number qualifies.

For more information, see Paddle's invoice documentation or contact their support team.

§ 5 Support & Account

5-1. Can I sign in with a different provider than the one I used to register?

Yes, if the email address is the same. TypeSpan automatically links accounts that share the same email, so signing in with Google, GitHub, and Discord will all take you to the same account as long as you used the same email to set them up.

If you need help locating your account, please contact us.

5-2. How do I delete my account?

You can permanently delete your account through the settings on your Account page. This action takes effect immediately and is irreversible. Deleting your account will permanently remove all of your data. This includes any shared public links (/share).

5-3. Is there a Status Page?

Check our system status on our official website or visit /status. We strive for high availability. We will post updates if there are any disruptions.

5-4. Have more questions?

Please contact us at hello@typespan.com. We are happy to help.

Last updated: April 15, 2026