How to: Font Installation on Windows PC and Mac
Font installation is a simple process once you learn how to do it. I will review each detail to make the process as clear as possible. Please remember most free fonts are available for personal use only. If you want a particular font for commercial use, check the license first. Additional resources are listed at the end of this post.
Font File Types
TrueType Font (.ttf) — The current standard font file format for basic purposes
OpenTypeFont (.otf) — An extended file which includes extra styles, glyphs, and/or ligatures, primarily used by graphic designers
Windows PC Font Installation
(See below for Mac Font Installation)
1. Choose a Font
There are endless fonts available to purchase or download for free online. A quick Google search can provide you with tons of options.
2. Select “Download”
On many font sites, the download button will appear above the font or at the bottom of the page. It may also give you an option of which font file type to download. A .ttf should be sufficient for most cases, but .oft will work as well.
3. Unzip the Folder
Most font downloads will appear in your downloads folder as a .zip folder. To open a zipped file, right-click it and select “Extract files” from the menu. Open the unzipped folder by double-clicking on it.
4. Install the File
In the folder, you will see a .ttf or .otf file. You may see both file types or other files labeled “License” or “README”. Select your chosen font file type (you only need one). Right-click the file and select “Install”. If there are multiple font styles (such as “Tahoma-regular.ttf” and “Tahoma-light.ttf”), you will need to install each file.
5. Restart the App
Once your font is installed, restart the app you want to use the font in. This will make sure the app recognizes your new font and allows you to use it.
Mac Font Installation
1. Choose a Font
There are endless fonts available to purchase or download for free online. A quick Google search can provide you with tons of options.
2. Select “Download”
On many font sites, the download button will appear above the font or at the bottom of the page. It may also give you an option of which font file type to download. A .ttf should be sufficient for most cases, but .oft will work as well.
3. Unzip the Folder
Most font downloads will appear in your downloads folder as a .zip folder. Double-click a zipped file to open it. Then double-click the unzipped file to open it.
4. Install the File
In the folder, you will see a .ttf or .otf file. You may see both file types or other files labeled “License” or “README”. Select your chosen font file type (you only need one). Double-click the file and select “Install” on the popup. If there are multiple font styles (such as “Tahoma-regular.ttf” and “Tahoma-light.ttf”), you will need to install each file. You can install them at once by holding down the Command key and selecting each file before double-clicking.
5. Restart the App
Once your font is installed, restart the app you want to use the font in. This will make sure the app recognizes your new font and allows you to use it.
Additional Resources
If you have any font installation issues, here are some additional resources:
Windows PC Font Installation
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-a-font-b7c5f17c-4426-4b53-967f-455339c564c1
Mac Font Installation
https://support.apple.com/guide/font-book/install-and-validate-fonts-fntbk1000/mac
https://support.fontspring.com/hc/en-us/articles/10243285681307-How-do-I-install-fonts-on-my-Mac