March 09, 2017

How to Install Fonts

How to Install Fonts

Most typefaces are downloaded as an extractable zip file. Your system should know how to handle these, but if not you can usually use a program like WinZip to open them

WINDOWS INSTALATION

  • Unzip the folder containing the fonts first. Fonts cannot be installed if they are zipped.
  • Right click on the font file and select Install.

Alternately, you can manually install fonts this way:

  • Search for Fonts in the search box by the start menu.
  • Click on the Fonts (Control Panel) link to open the Fonts Manager
  • Drag and Drop or Copy and Paste the unzipped fonts into the Fonts Manager to install.

 

MAC INSTALATION

Install with Fontbook:

  • When you download a font, please look for the files with .OTF or .TTF extensions. Copy all of the files in either of these formats (CMD + C)
  • Double-click on the .TTF or .OTF file. Fontbook will open up
  • Click "Install Font"
  • Restart the software in which you plan to use the font (i.e. Word, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • At that point the font should appear in your programs' font lists.

Alternately, you can manually install fonts this way:

  • When you download a font, please look for the files with .OTF or .TTF extensions. Copy all of the files in either of these formats (CMD + C)
  • Paste (CMD + V) the files into this folder: HD > Library > Fonts
  • Important: Restart the software where you intend to use the font, and the fonts will show up in your font list when you boot it up again.

Keep in mind that OpenType fonts have a lot of special features that are better supported by OpenType-savvy programs, such as InDesign or Illustrator. That *doesn't* mean those fonts won't work in Word or other text editing software, but it might mean that your software may not support all of the features of that OpenType font.