My favorite aspect of design is fonts and typography! The possibilities are endless especially after learning how to download and install fonts. All fonts are unique and can easily set a good design or project apart from a bad design or project. By default every computer comes with standard fonts, but when it comes to design and making fun projects the default fonts are very limiting. There are thousands and thousands of fonts available to use online. They are easy to install and use which makes them even better! In this tutorial I will point you in the right direction to find new fonts, walk you though downloading and installing the fonts you have found, and making sure they work properly.

Where to Get Fonts

There are loads of places to download fonts. Some of my favorite places are:

Please keep in mind when searching for the perfect font that there are different rules for every font. While most fonts are free for personal use, a lot of them require the purchase of a commercial licence if they will be used on a product that is being sold. Please make sure to do your research when using fonts for commercial purposes.

Step by Step Instructions: How to Install a Font

Step 1:

With your browser navigate to a site with fonts. I am going to use Font Squirrel. Fine a font you would like and download it to your computer. For this tutorial I am going to download Open Sans. To get started click the Download button.

Note: Some sites have multiple download buttons to ensure you are downloading the font file you are expecting hover over the download button and watch for some text to pop up in the bottom left corner of your browser window. Make sure that the first part of that text matches the site you are on. If the browser button that first part will not match the name of the website you are on.

 

Step 2:

With a file browser navigate to where your download saved. Mine saved in my downloads folder.

 

Step 3:

To extract the files right-click on the zip folder and select extract. A new window will appear like the image below. Use the browser button to adjust where the files will be extracted to. Once that is set to the correct place click the Extract button at the bottom right.

Step 4:

Navigate to where you just extracted the files. With all of the font files selected using your mouse right-click on one of the selected fonts. A menu will pop up. Towards the top of the menu click on the Install option.

Step 5:

After clicking the Install button the Installing Fonts window will momentarily pop up.

Making Sure Your Font Installed

There are several ways to make sure your font installed properly. Here are a few:

  • The easiest and quickest way is to go to https://wordmark.it/. This website will pull up all of the fonts that are installed on your computer. It will even let you type in words or a phrase to see what it looks using the different fonts. You may have to install/enable cookies to see fonts that aren’t your default fonts (fonts that came on your computer).
  • If you have Microsoft word you can open it up, type some text on the page and change it to the font you recently downloaded.
  • Download a font organizing program like Nexus or SkyFont.

The possibilities are endless after you find a few good fonts! They are easy to download and fun to play around with.

What are you favorite fonts to use? What projects have you used new fonts for?

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Did you know that you have access to thousands of free fonts for your home decor and DIY Cricut projects? Yep! Loads of FREE fonts for personal and commercial projects can be found online that can be used for your Cricut projects! This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclosure Policy here. My son needed a water bottle with his name on it for school. As a result for this project I will be making a vinyl decal of his name to put on his water bottle. The Contigo water bottle used on this project can be purchased on amazon. These are awesome water bottles for kids! They come with a straw but also work without it. They are easy to clean, durable and most importantly don’t leak! As a result we don’t go very many places with out it. The font that I will be using has already been installed on my computer. If you aren’t sure where to find free fonts or how to install fonts to your computer you can follow my How to Download and Install Fonts to Your Computer tutorial. Some designers allow their fonts to be used for personal and commercial use for free while others ask you pay a small fee for commercial use. It is different for each font so please make sure you follow each font and designers rules carefully. Step by Step Instructions: Use Installed Fonts in Cricut Design Space Once the font you will be using has been installed on your computer head over to Cricut’s Design Space. Step 1 Once logged in to Cricut’s Design Space click the New Project button.   Step 2 Click on the T (text button) in the panel on the left. Step 3 Type in the text you would like to use.   Step 4 Click the font drop down on the top bar tool panel.   Step 5 A large section with a list of fonts will appear. At the top you will see 3 options. All, System, and Cricut. Click on the word system and either search for the specific font or scroll down the list of fonts installed on your computer. For this decal I will be using the font Bebas.   Step 6 After clicking on the font you will be using the text will update. This area controls the font, font style, size, letter spacing, line space, alignment, and curve can be adjusted to your liking and project. Once all the text is formatted how you want it click the ‘Make It’ button in the top right hand corner. Step 7 Connect your Cricut to your computer and outlet. Select the right size of board on the left hand side and make sure that your material is placed in the same place as the design on the mat. Next, click on the ‘Continue’ bottom in the bottom right. Step 8 Finally, set the material dial on your Cricut machine. Then push the Cricut button on your machine and let the Cricut work it’s magic!     In conclusion, knowing how to install fonts to your computer and use them in Cricut’s design space opens up a whole new world of home decor and DIY Cricut projects! The sky is the limit so have fun! What are your favorite projects to make with your Cricut? Leave a comment below! [...] Read more...