How to Add Fonts to Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop includes a huge library of fonts for a range of styles and purposes, and is the industry standard for editing raster graphics. However, in some cases, you’ll need a font it doesn’t have. Whether it’s a client’s specific brand font or one you’ve designed for a personal project, you need to get this font into Photoshop.

Fortunately, it’s possible to learn how to add fonts to Photoshop. The process will depend on what device and operating system (OS) you use, but it’s as simple as searching font libraries and clicking a few buttons.   

How Easy Is it to Add Fonts to Photoshop? 

Learning how to add fonts to Photoshop, and then doing so, is one of the easiest aspects of using the software. With only a few clicks, you can bring any style of typography into your personal or professional projects. Unlike other software, this is designed to incorporate text, as you can see when comparing Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fresco, for example.  

While Adobe Photoshop comes with numerous fonts automatically, you can import, use and customize just about any font in existence. You’ll find this extremely helpful in making Photoshop mockups and   

How to Add Fonts to Photoshop

No matter where you use the software, it’s simple to import a font to Photoshop, even if you’re still learning graphic design. Keep in mind that font files are typically TTF or OTF. While TTF (TrueType font) files are the older and more commonly used types, OTF (OpenType Font) files support more advanced features.  

1. From a Mac

Browse for fonts and download what you need. Know that certain files may download in a zip folder, and you’ll need to extract them before use. Some libraries allow you to perform filtered searches to find the perfect font. 

• Download the font file, ensuring it’s a TTF or OTF file. 
• Double-click your font file to open the Font Book app.
• Click “Install Font.”
• Select the font in the text menu of your design software and start typing.

2. From an iPad 

You’ll use one of two methods, depending on where you sourced your fonts from.

If you’ve created a document using fonts from Adobe Fonts:

• Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app.
• Tap “Fonts” at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap “Browse Adobe Fonts.”
• Tap “Active Fonts Not On This Device.” 
• Tap “Install Fonts.”

If you’re installing fonts from other sources:

• Use an app in the App Store to download fonts to your iPad. 
• Package the fonts into a configuration profile using the same app. 
• Install the configuration profile on your iPad.

3. From a PC

This process is similar to the one used on a Mac but uses different apps. In this case, you could also choose to download apps from the Microsoft Store. 

• Download the font file.
• Right-click the font file and select “Install.” 
• Select the font in your design software and start typing. 

4. From a Mobile Device

If you use the Creative Cloud app on iOS 13.1 or newer (as long as it supports Apple’s custom font APIs), you can access any font included with a Creative Cloud subscription. You’ll also be able to see Adobe Fonts you’ve added on other devices but haven’t installed on mobile.    

• Select a font from the Creative Cloud app’s Fonts section.
• Filter by font classification, if desired.
• Click “Install Font” and the confirmation “Install,” if it pops up. 
• The font will now be in the Installed Fonts tab.  

5. Using Adobe Fonts

In addition to downloading and installing fonts from external libraries, you can obtain fonts directly from Adobe Fonts with a Creative Cloud subscription. These fonts are cleared for commercial and personal use, and designed to work easily with Photoshop.

• Open Photoshop.
• Make sure you are online and logged in to Creative Cloud.   
• Click the Text menu and select Adobe Fonts.
• Browse the font library and find a font you like.
• Click the slider to activate the font.  
• The font will now be available in Photoshop. 

Things to Consider When Adding a Font to Photoshop

Any time you use existing content for your own projects, personal or professional, it’s important to be certain you’re using the content in legal ways. Always check the usage rights, even if it’s not something you plan to make any money from.

Keep these considerations in mind when you load fonts in Photoshop:

• Free font libraries may have restrictions regarding commercial use.
• Check the font license and purchase any licenses, if needed, before using a font in commercial work.
• Open-source fonts are free to download and use, as long as you don’t resell and occasionally give credit for use.  
• Google Fonts is an excellent example of an open-source font collection that can be used privately or commercially. 

Start Adding Fonts to Photoshop

When you need to install a font Photoshop doesn’t provide, whether for a personal or commercial project, it’s as easy as searching a library or installing your own design. Importing fonts into the graphics editor is possible on Mac, iPad, PC, or mobile in as few as three steps. You can also increase your Photoshop fonts directly from Adobe itself.   

Skillshare offers several classes on using Adobe Photoshop, from beginner intros to in-depth feature exploration and skill refining. You can also learn how it measures up against other software in articles comparing Photoshop with Procreate, for example. 

Make the most of your typography design skills with our expert-led courses!

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Written By

Katie Mitchell

Katie lives in Michigan with her husband, kids and pets. She enjoys cooking, travel and live music.

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