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Subsetting is the practice of creating a “subset” of a font—a file that contains a custom (and usually limited) collection of glyphs.

![An abstract representation of subsetting, where certain characters are separated out from the font file.](images/thumbnail.svg)

There are numerous scenarios where subsetting may be desirable:

  1. When a font delivery service wishes to optimize the file size of a web font.
  2. When a foundry wishes to offer a limited character set as a trial font.
  3. When a developer wishes to strip unrequired languages from a web font.
  4. When a foundry (or designer) wishes to distribute a collection of glyphs for a specifics use, as was the way with small caps or stylistic sets prior to the arrival of OpenType.
  5. When a foundry wishes to create a customized collection of glyphs (perhaps with modifications) for a client.

There are many online services that can generate subsets for the user on-the-fly, but it’s important to consider whether a particular font license allows for subsetting or not.