This wikiHow teaches you how to download and install new fonts on your Windows or Mac computer, which can be used in your word processor or any other program that uses system fonts.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Open your web browser
The fastest way to find fonts is to visit a website that hosts free font files.
Step 2. Visit a website that hosts fonts
There are a variety of websites that host fonts that you can download for free or purchase to use. Below are some of the most popular and safe options:
- 1001freefonts.com
- dafont.com
- fontsquirrel.com
- fontspace.com
Step 3. Find a font that you want to download
The font sites will have thousands of fonts available that are free for personal use. If you intend to use these fonts commercially, you will need to purchase a license from the creator of the font.
Commercial use includes websites and YouTube videos that generate income from ads, as well as any traditional business publication
Step 4. Click the Download button
The words used and the location of the button will vary depending on the site you use.
Step 5. Click the ZIP file after downloading to open it
You will see this at the bottom of the browser window. You can also find the file in the "Downloads" folder.
Step 6. Double click on the TTF or OTF file
The file type will vary depending on the font, but Windows supports both TTF and OTF.
- Other less common but still viable extensions include TTC and PFB.
- There is likely more than one font file if the font includes multiple styles. Each will need to be installed individually.
Step 7. Look at the preview of the font
You will see a preview of the font in various sizes. Take a look to make sure the font will look good at the sizes you'll be using.
Step 8. Click Print if you want to see the printed font
If you plan to print documents with the font, it is recommended that you see how it looks on paper before installing it. Click on To print to print a page with the text in the preview window.
Step 9. Click Install
You'll see this button at the top of the font preview window.
Step 10. Enter the administrator password if requested
If you are logged in with an administrator account, the installation will proceed automatically. If you are not an administrator, you will need to enter the password for the administrator account.
Step 11. Open a program that uses system fonts
You can find the new font in any program that uses the fonts installed in Windows, such as Word or Photoshop.
Step 12. Select your new font
The newly installed font will appear alphabetically in the font list when you open the "Fonts" menu.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Open your web browser
You will need to download the new fonts from websites dedicated to hosting free font files.
Step 2. Visit a site that hosts font files
There are several sites that host user-uploaded font files. It is recommended to download from these popular sites to avoid possible viruses:
- 1001freefonts.com
- dafont.com
- fontsquirrel.com
- fontspace.com
Step 3. Find the font you want to use
You can search through various categories and search for styles to find the font you want.
Most of the fonts you find will be free for personal use, but will require payment for a commercial license if you intend to use the font for something that makes you money
Step 4. Click the Download button
You will find a "Download", "Free Download" or "Download Font" button for each font on the website.
Step 5. Click the Downloads list
You will find this next to the Trash that is in the Dock.
Step 6. Click on the folder for the font you just downloaded
It should be at the bottom of the list if it was the last thing you downloaded.
Step 7. Double click on the font file
You will see several files within the folder, including one or more font files. Font files have a TTF, OTF, or DFONT extension.
Some fonts may come with more than one font file for different styles. Each will need to be installed individually
Step 8. Look at the preview of the font
A window will open showing what the font will look like. You can click on the menu at the top of the window to see different styles.
Step 9. Click Install Font
This will add the font to your system.
Step 10. Review any reported problems
If a font file is not crafted correctly, you will likely receive a warning and need to confirm the installation. Usually any problems encountered will not prevent the font from working. Check the box for the problem font and click Install the marked types.
Step 11. Open a program that uses the fonts
Now that the font is installed, you can use it in any program that supports system fonts, like Pages or TextEdit.
Step 12. Select your new fonts from the "Fonts" menu
You will find the new font listed alphabetically in the "Fonts" menu in whatever program you use. Select it to start using it.