You found the perfect font, downloaded it, and now you want to use it in Word, Photoshop, Canva, or your favorite app. Installing a font only takes a minute once you know where to click. This guide covers Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad, and Android, plus what to do when something goes wrong.

Before You Start: Unzip and Pick the Right File

Most fonts are downloaded as a ZIP file. Extract it first (right-click and choose “Extract All” on Windows, or double-click on a Mac). Inside you will usually find:

  • OTF (OpenType): the best choice for most people. It supports extra features like alternates, ligatures, and swashes.
  • TTF (TrueType): also works everywhere. Install it if no OTF is included.
  • WOFF / WOFF2: web font formats for websites. You do not need to install these on your computer.

Install either the OTF or the TTF version, not both, to avoid duplicates.

How to Install Fonts on Windows 10 and 11

Method 1: Right-click

  1. Open the folder with the extracted font.
  2. Right-click the OTF or TTF file.
  3. Choose Install (just for you) or Install for all users (requires admin rights). On Windows 11 you may need to click “Show more options” first.

Method 2: Settings

  1. Open Settings and go to Personalization > Fonts.
  2. Drag and drop the font file into the area labeled for adding fonts.

Method 3: Double-click

Double-click the font file to open a preview window, then click Install at the top.

How to Install Fonts on a Mac

  1. Double-click the OTF or TTF file.
  2. A preview opens in Font Book. Click Install.
  3. Font Book may validate the font and warn you if there is a problem.

You can also open the Font Book app and drag font files into it. Installed fonts are available in apps like Pages, Keynote, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

How to Install Fonts on iPhone and iPad

Apple devices do not let you install fonts by tapping a file directly. Instead, fonts are added through apps:

  1. Install a font installer app from the App Store, or use an app that provides fonts, such as some design apps.
  2. Import your font file into the app (from Files, iCloud Drive, or a download).
  3. Follow the app’s instructions to install it. Some apps install fonts directly, while others use a configuration profile that you approve in Settings.
  4. Check your installed fonts in Settings > General > Fonts.

Once installed, the font appears in apps that support custom fonts, such as Pages, Keynote, and many design apps.

How to Use Fonts on Android

Android does not have one standard way to install fonts system-wide, and it depends on your phone brand. The easiest options are:

  • Inside apps: many design apps, including Canva and some photo editors, let you import or upload a font file and use it within the app.
  • Phone settings: some brands offer font changes through their theme stores, but these usually do not support your own font files.

For design work on Android, importing fonts directly into your design app is usually the most reliable approach.

How to Use Fonts in Canva

Canva does not use fonts installed on your computer. You upload fonts to your Brand Kit instead. We explain the full process, including supported plans and file formats, in our guide on adding custom fonts to Canva.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The font does not show up in my app

Close and reopen the app. Most programs only load fonts when they start. In some cases, restarting your computer helps.

I see duplicate font names

You may have installed both the OTF and TTF versions. Remove one of them.

Special characters or swashes are missing

Alternate letters and swashes are accessed through OpenType features or a glyph panel. Apps like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign have a Glyphs panel; in other apps you may need to copy characters from a character map.

Windows says the file is not a valid font

The download may be incomplete or still zipped. Download the font again and extract it before installing.

A Quick Note on Licenses

Installing a font is not the same as having the right to use it commercially. Check the license before using a font in a logo, product, or client project. Our licensing page explains common license types, and you can practice installing with our free fonts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I install OTF or TTF?

OTF is usually better because it supports advanced typography features. TTF works just as well for normal use.

Do I need to restart my computer after installing a font?

Usually not, but you may need to restart the app you want to use the font in.

Can I install fonts on a work computer?

You can often install fonts just for your own user account. Installing for all users may require administrator rights.