How to Install Fonts

How to install fonts, Lovelytocu.ca

When you purchase a computer there will already be a selection of fonts installed on that machine. However, while these included fonts are always tried and tested classics you may eventually have the need for something with a bit more flair.
Installing new fonts to your computer is super easy and something that you needn’t be daunted by.

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Here are the steps for PC Desktop and Laptops:
  1. first download your new font file folder, this will most likely be a zip file
  2. unzip the font folder
  3. right click on the font file and select install
  4. that’s it, all done
For Mac users:
  1. same as above, download and unzip the font folder
  2. double click the font file and press install
  3. done
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While the process for downloading and installing fonts is easy-peasy, there are a few extra details about font files that you may care to know about.

Font files can come in 2 formats: .OTF (open type) or .TTF (true type)  So what are the differences?

It’s all about what kind of extra detail is included within the design of the font and the explanation gets a bit complicated, so as a beginner all you really need to know is that both file types work on either Mac or PC, and regardless of which format you’re given, it will work on your machine.

Different fonts you download will have one or the other file type in the folder and sometimes you will receive both options together. OTF files usually come with extra or alternate lettering options (something you might choose to learn about later) so otherwise just stick to the TTF file when there's a choice. But know that either way, you’ll be fine!

Another thing to look out for and know... some purchased fonts will come with a choice of ‘desktop’ fonts and ‘web’ fonts. Always install the desktop font file. The web font version is specifically for web designers.

Have errors during installation? Ensure you are clicking on the extracted font file (not the still zipped up folder file) or that you have administrator privileges on your machine.

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Font terms of use: as with any artwork you download from the internet, fonts will have terms of use associated with them.  Many free fonts are for personal use only.  Some will allow commercial use with a donation and many fonts require the purchase of the font if you wish to use it commercially.

Always respect the creator's terms of use.  Artists work hard to earn a living and their generosity should not be taken advantage of. Plus you might get into trouble later.

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WHERE TO FIND FREE FONTS

DaFont - this popular site has a big collection of fonts and while a good many are for personal use only you can find some that allow commercial use

1001FreeFonts - a site very similar to above, both sharing a lot of the same fonts

FontSquirrel - a site that offers links to free fonts, all of which are available for commercial use

PremiumFreeFonts - the free section offered by FontBundles.net has an ever-changing selection of free fonts with a commercial use license, it's worthwhile to sign up for their newsletter as you will grow your font collection in no time at all

TheHungryJPEG - a site with way more than just fonts, they have a free section and weekly freebies include many fabulous fonts, all with a commercial use license

Creative Market - this site is a designers marketplace and they offer up free resources every week with at least 1 or 2 fonts each week, again with a commercial use license

Do you have another favorite place to source free fonts?  Share in the comments!

 

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