Top 7 LCD Character Generators for Embedded ProjectsLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) character generators make creating and importing custom characters into character-based LCD modules far easier — especially for embedded projects where memory and simplicity matter. This article reviews the top 7 character generator tools and utilities, discusses when to use each one, shows example workflows, and offers tips for integrating generated data with popular microcontrollers.
Why use an LCD character generator?
Character LCD modules (commonly 16×2, 20×4, etc.) typically display predefined ASCII characters and provide a small number of user-definable character (UDC/CG) slots, often 8. A character generator helps you design glyphs within the module’s pixel grid (e.g., 5×8 or 5×10), exports the bitmap as bytes, and sometimes creates ready-to-use code for platforms like Arduino, STM32, or PIC. This saves time, prevents mistakes in bit ordering, and simplifies localization and iconography.
Selection criteria
I evaluated tools based on:
- Ease of use (GUI or CLI)
- Export formats (C arrays, hex, binary, device-specific code)
- Support for common LCD sizes/grids (5×8, 5×10, custom)
- Ability to preview and edit multiple characters and character maps
- Portability and licensing
- Additional features (font import/export, batch conversion, animations)
1. LCD Assistant (classic desktop tool)
Overview: A lightweight, Windows-friendly utility that’s been a go-to for hobbyists for years.
Key features:
- Converts BMP images to byte arrays for character and graphical LCDs.
- Supports custom widths and heights, useful for 5×8 character bitmaps.
- Exports data in hex or binary formats for inclusion in firmware.
Best for: Quick conversions from images when you already work on Windows and need raw byte output.
Limitations: No built-in code snippets for microcontrollers; UI looks dated; limited editing tools.
2. The HD44780 Custom Character Generator (web-based)
Overview: Browser-based editors targeted at the ubiquitous HD44780-compatible modules.
Key features:
- Pixel-grid editor for 5×8 and 5×10 characters.
- Exports C arrays and Arduino-compatible code snippets.
- Lets you edit multiple CGRAM slots and preview strings using custom characters.
Best for: Arduino users and beginners who want immediate code output and minimal setup.
Limitations: Mostly focused on HD44780; fewer export formats for other toolchains.
3. MikroElektronika GLCD/Character Font Tools
Overview: Part of mikroElektronika’s ecosystem (especially useful if you use their compilers/hardware).
Key features:
- Generates fonts and character sets for their libraries and compilers.
- Supports a variety of display types and resolutions.
- Integration with their development environment simplifies inclusion in projects.
Best for: Developers using mikroElektronika tools or boards who want tight integration.
Limitations: Some features are tied to their paid toolchain; less useful if you use GCC/PlatformIO.
4. LCD Font Creator (cross-platform desktop)
Overview: A modern, user-friendly font/character editor supporting export to many formats.
Key features:
- Intuitive grid editor with copy/paste between glyphs.
- Export to C, hex, and image formats.
- Support for custom grid sizes and batch operations.
Best for: Designers who need more editing power and cross-platform support.
Limitations: Feature sets vary by version; pick the one matching your OS.
5. Font to LCD converters (command-line utilities)
Overview: A group of CLI tools and scripts (Python, Node.js) that convert TTF/OTF fonts into bitmap glyphs optimized for LCD modules.
Key features:
- Batch conversion of entire Unicode subsets or custom character lists.
- Scriptable integration into build systems.
- Precise control over kerning, scaling, and thresholding.
Best for: Advanced embedded workflows where automation and reproducibility matter.
Limitations: Requires familiarity with the command line and font rasterization options.
Example (Python Pillow approach):
from PIL import Image, ImageFont, ImageDraw # render glyphs at small size, threshold to monochrome, extract bitmaps... 6. LCD Custom Character Mobile Apps
Overview: Several mobile apps (iOS/Android) let you draw characters on a touchscreen and export byte arrays.
Key features:
- Quick on-the-go creation using touch.
- Export as text or copy to clipboard for pasting into code.
- Sometimes include Arduino snippets.
Best for: Quick sketches and testing when away from a PC.
Limitations: Limited export formats; not ideal for batch or production workflows.
7. Online Batch Generators / APIs
Overview: Web services that accept font files or images and return character tables or code via REST APIs.
Key features:
- Integrate font generation into cloud-based build pipelines.
- Support for larger character sets and custom mappings.
- Often support multiple output languages and formats.
Best for: Teams or CI/CD flows that need automated generation.
Limitations: Requires internet, potential privacy concerns for proprietary fonts.
Example workflow (Arduino + HD44780 16×2)
- Design a symbol in an HD44780 web editor (5×8).
- Export as Arduino C array or get the byte values.
- In Arduino, use createChar(slot, byteArray) for each custom glyph.
- Place the glyphs into strings using their slot indexes.
Example snippet generated by many tools:
uint8_t heart[8] = { 0b00000, 0b01010, 0b11111, 0b11111, 0b11111, 0b01110, 0b00100, 0b00000 }; lcd.createChar(0, heart); lcd.setCursor(0,0); lcd.write(0); // prints custom character stored in slot 0 Tips for choosing the right tool
- Use simple web tools for quick prototypes and Arduino code.
- Choose CLI/font converters for automated or large-scale conversions.
- Prefer tools that export directly to your development environment to reduce errors.
- Remember HD44780 modules often only have 8 CGRAM slots — plan animations/icons accordingly.
- Test character bitmaps on actual hardware; emulators sometimes differ in timing/bit-order.
Quick comparison
| Tool type | Best for | Exports | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCD Assistant (desktop) | Image->bytes conversions | Hex, bin | Easy |
| HD44780 web editors | Arduino beginners | C/Arduino code | Very easy |
| MikroElektronika tools | mikroE users | Compiler-ready fonts | Medium |
| LCD Font Creator | Designers | C, hex, images | Easy–Medium |
| CLI converters | Automated builds | C, binary, custom | Advanced |
| Mobile apps | Quick sketches | Text/clipboard | Very easy |
| Online APIs | CI/CD automation | Multiple formats | Medium |
Conclusion
For quick prototypes and Arduino projects, web-based HD44780 editors are the most convenient. If you need automation or batch conversions, use CLI font converters. For design-heavy work on desktop, modern tools like LCD Font Creator give the best editing experience. Pick the tool that matches your workflow: interactive editors for speed, command-line for reproducibility, and integrated toolchains for tight development environments.
Leave a Reply