How to Install Fonts on Windows, Mac, Canva & Cricut

Just bought a font and not sure what to do with the ZIP file? This guide walks you through installing it on Windows and Mac, then using it in Canva, Cricut Design Space, Photoshop and Procreate. It takes about two minutes.

Step 1: Unzip the download

Your fonts arrive as a ZIP file from the order confirmation page, your email or My Account. Fonts cannot be installed while they are still inside the ZIP, so unzip it first: double-click it on Mac, or right-click and choose Extract All on Windows.

Inside you will usually find an .otf file (OpenType, recommended), a .ttf file (TrueType) and sometimes web fonts (.woff). Install the OTF unless your app asks for TTF.

How to install fonts on Windows

1. Open the unzipped folder.
2. Right-click the .otf file.
3. Choose Install (or Install for all users if you share the computer).
4. Restart your design app so it picks up the new font.

How to install fonts on Mac

1. Double-click the .otf file.
2. Font Book opens with a preview. Click Install.
3. Restart your design app.

How to use fonts in Canva

Canva Pro, Teams and Education let you upload your own fonts to the Brand Kit.

1. Go to Brand in the left menu and open your Brand Kit.
2. Under Brand fonts, click Upload a font.
3. Select the .otf or .ttf file and confirm you have a license.
4. The font now appears in the font list of every design.

Planning to sell editable Canva templates? That needs the Social Media / Creator license. Check the license guide for details.

How to use fonts in Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space uses the fonts installed on your computer. Install the font with the steps above, then restart Design Space. Click Text, open the font list and switch the filter to System to find it.

Using a script font? Select the text and click Weld so the letters connect and cut as one piece.

How to use fonts in Photoshop, Illustrator and Affinity

Once installed on your computer, the font appears in the font menu automatically. To use alternates and swashes, open the Glyphs panel (Window → Glyphs) and double-click the version you like.

How to use fonts in Procreate (iPad)

1. Save the .otf file to the Files app on your iPad.
2. In Procreate, add text to your canvas and tap Edit Style.
3. Tap Import Font and choose the file.

OTF, TTF or WOFF: which file is which?

OTF (OpenType) is the modern standard. It supports alternates, swashes, ligatures and international characters, and works in almost every app on Windows and Mac. TTF (TrueType) is an older format that some apps and cutting machines still prefer. WOFF and WOFF2 are web fonts for websites; you do not install them on your computer.

If an app gives you trouble with OTF, try the TTF version instead. Never install both versions of the same font at the same time, because the two can conflict and cause the wrong version to appear in your menus.

How to use alternates and swashes

Many Sronstudio script fonts include alternate letters and decorative swashes. In Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Affinity apps, open the Glyphs panel, select a letter in your text and double-click the alternate you like. In Canva and Cricut, alternates are harder to reach: many people type the word in Illustrator or a free character map tool, then copy and paste the special characters.

Ligatures (connected letter pairs like “tt” or “ll”) usually turn on automatically. If letters overlap strangely, check that ligatures are enabled and remove any letter spacing (tracking) from the text.

Keeping your font library tidy

• Keep your original ZIP files in one folder so you can reinstall fonts on a new computer.
• On Mac, use Font Book collections to group fonts by project or style.
• Remove fonts you never use: a huge font list slows down some design apps.
• Keep your license PDFs with the font files, so you always know what each font covers.

Troubleshooting

• Font not showing up? Restart the app. If it still does not appear, uninstall older versions of the same font first.
• Letters not connecting in a script? Make sure ligatures are on, and avoid tracking (letter spacing) on script fonts.
• Windows says the file is not valid? You are probably trying to install from inside the ZIP. Unzip first.
• Still stuck? Contact us with your order number and a screenshot, and we will help.

FAQ

Should I install the OTF or TTF file?

Install OTF. It supports alternates and ligatures better. Use TTF only if your software does not accept OTF.

Can I install the font on two computers?

Yes. The Desktop license covers 1 user on up to 2 computers. For a bigger team, the Extended license covers up to 10. See the license page.

Where do I download my fonts again?

Log in to My Account and open Downloads.