So you’ve pinned all those Free Font pins on Pinterest and created quite the font collection… But now you’re wondering, how to install fonts on a Mac so you can put all those cute fonts to use? Well, I’m right there with you! I just switched to a Mac and wondered how to put all those cute free fonts on my new computer. I mean, I need to cut those fonts with my Silhouette Cameo {which cuts all fonts on my computer for free!}. Well, thanks to my fab assistant, Skye, here’s how to put fonts on a Mac!
How To Install Fonts on a Mac
Once you have found the font you’d like to download, check the creator’s terms of use and make sure you are going to be using it legally and correctly! Then download it to your computer.
The font will download as a zip file. Before we can install it we need to unzip it. Just double click on the file and it will automatically unzip!
A new folder will open that will include the font tile and most likely, a Terms of Use document. Again – read over these terms of use, especially if you are going to use it on items you will be printing for resale!
Now we need to install this font on your Mac. I used Spotlight Search to find my Font Book – this is where all your fonts are stored and installed. Click to open your Font Book.
To install the new font, simply drag the Font file (it will be the .ttf or the .otf file extension) into the Font Book. It will validate the file and install it for you. The next step is to close all your programs and restart your computer, just to be sure that the font will be available in your programs when you restart them!
Here is a simple screencast to show the steps as well:
ADDED LATER:
Thank you for the input! Here’s another quick way to install the fonts on your mac WITHOUT restarting your computer!
After you open the .zip file, simply double click the font file (.ttf) and your Mac automatically opens up your font book. Click the ‘install’ button and it’s done. No need to restart your computer!
Now that you know how to install fonts on a Mac, here’s a fun collection of free Spring Fonts that Kori put together for you!
Click here for the download links.
Thanks for stopping by today!
happy crafting,
Linda
psst….don’t forget to follow Craftaholics Anonymous® on Pinterest for more craft and DIY inspiration!
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How funny- I JUST downloaded a font earlier today and found a super quick shortcut to install on my Mac. After you open the .zip file, simply double click the font file (.ttf) and Mac automatically opens up your font book. Click the ‘install’ button and it’s done. On my Mac, I don’t have to restart to use the font, it’s ready immediately. Just thought I’d share my new discovery!
Thanks for sharing, Alanna! That is quicker!
PS I’m so offended haha! ;) jk It was fun hanging out with you and Connor this am!
Thank you for this! So simple, but I’ve had my mac for a few months now and haven’t taken the time to find out how to do. Glad I read it here, no searching or you tubing required!
Would you be able to tell us how to install fonts on windows computers? I can never get them on and there are so many wonderful fonts out there!!!!
YOU ARE THE BEST! I am a new Mac user and this will help me out SO much! Thanks Linda!
Any time, Brittany! See you in a couple weeks at Snap! :)
Awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing this tip.
Also go to your preferences in Font Book and choose: Default install location as User. That way all fonts will be installed in your User fonts folder instead of where your system fonts are stored. This will help with font conflicts.
Thank you so much!! Its so easy, but so hard if you’re not a computer person :) (that’s me)
How do I get the fonts I’ve purchased in the Silhouette store into my font book?