How to add fonts in Photoshop

October 17, 2025

Learning how to add custom fonts in Photoshop opens up new creative possibilities. Whether you’re designing promotional artwork, editing a poster layout or preparing a file for print, understanding how to install and manage fonts ensures you have complete control over your text.

This guide explains the process step by step, while also covering common questions about fonts, typography and preparing text correctly for print.

Can you add text in Photoshop?

Yes. Photoshop lets you create and edit text using its Type tools, either horizontally or vertically. You can adjust size, weight, colour, spacing and effects, just as you would with any other editable layer. The text you create depends on the fonts available on your system — so to use something new, you’ll need to install that font first.

Why include text in Photoshop projects?

Text plays a crucial role in communicating information, structure and personality within your design. Adding fonts in Photoshop allows you to:

Maintain brand consistency – use your brand’s typefaces to keep materials cohesive
Add clarity and hierarchy – control how information is read and prioritised
Experiment creatively – combine imagery and typography for visual impact
Prepare print layouts – add headlines, pricing, calls to action or other content

What fonts are included with Photoshop?

Photoshop doesn’t install its own unique fonts. Instead, it draws from the fonts already installed on your computer, plus any that are activated through Adobe Fonts as part of a Creative Cloud subscription.

To explore Adobe Fonts directly within Photoshop, go to Type > More from Adobe Fonts. Once activated, these fonts sync automatically across other Adobe applications, including Illustrator and InDesign.

What are the benefits of adding fonts in Photoshop?

Adding fonts gives you more control over the appearance and personality of your work. Benefits include:

Creative freedom – access typefaces that suit your brand or concept
Original results – while the font you add may not be unique, you can find less well-used fonts and apply them in a unique way
Visual precision – fine-tune kerning, leading and alignment for a professional finish
Cross-application use – once installed, fonts are available in other programmes such as Illustrator, InDesign and Word
Improved print accuracy – match exact fonts used across your marketing materials

What is the difference between a typeface and a font?

A typeface is the overall design of a letterform family, such as Helvetica, Times or Futura.
A font is a specific version within that family, such as Helvetica Bold Italic at 12 pt.

In short:

Typeface = the design
Font = the delivery of that design in a specific weight and size

Understanding this helps when searching or licensing type correctly.

What are good sources for free fonts?

When you seek additional fonts, it’s vital to use trustworthy sources with clear licensing. Some well-regarded options include:

Adobe Fonts (via Creative Cloud) – a large library of professional fonts available through activation
Google Fonts – open source and free for commercial use
Dafont.com – characterful fonts, most of which have broad ranging permissions
Urban Fonts – a wide range of creative fonts, categorised by accessible themes and styles (check individual licences before use)
Font Squirrel – curates free fonts with clear licensing information
Type foundries – many offer free weights or trial versions directly on their websites (always check licensing before use)

Never rely on unverified “free font” websites. Always confirm that a font’s licence allows commercial use and, if needed, embedding within a pdf for print purposes.

How do you choose the right font for your project?

When selecting fonts, think beyond aesthetics. Consider:

Legibility – it must read clearly at the intended size and medium
Tone and brand fit – match the mood and personality of your organisation or message
Weight range and flexibility – a family with multiple styles gives you options for emphasis
Licensing – ensure the font can be used for commercial print or digital distribution
Print performance – fine details or thin strokes may disappear on certain papers or finishes

For inspiration, you can explore 18 best free fonts to use on your print on the Solopress blog.

Why are some fonts free and some not?

Creating a professional typeface requires significant time and design expertise. Many font creators sell licences to recoup that investment.

Free fonts are often open source, or provided under limited licences such as personal use only. Always read the licence terms carefully — especially for commercial projects — and check whether the font allows:

Commercial use
Embedding within PDFs or print files
Modification or redistribution

If a licence doesn’t allow embedding, it may cause issues when exporting or printing your artwork.

How do you install a font for Photoshop?

Here’s how to add a new font step by step:

Download your chosen font from a trusted source.
Locate the downloaded file (usually a ZIP).
Double-click to extract it.
Identify the font file — typically .ttf (TrueType) or .otf (OpenType).
On Mac: double-click the file and select Install Font.
On Windows: right-click the file and select Install.
Open (or restart) Photoshop — the font will now appear in your list.

Once installed, the font becomes available system-wide for all design software.

How do you supply fonts along with artwork for print?

When sending artwork to a printer, ensure your text appears exactly as intended. Fonts may not transfer automatically, so follow these best practices from the Solopress fonts guide:

Convert text to outlines (curves) – turns type into vector shapes, ensuring appearance remains consistent
Embed fonts – when exporting to PDF, embed fonts that permit it (check licence first)
Flatten or rasterise text layers – if necessary for compatibility, though this removes editability
Send font files – only if licensing allows and your printer requests them

These steps help prevent unwanted font substitutions and preserve the integrity of your design.

Why don’t fonts always transfer correctly with artwork?

Fonts may not display as expected if:

The recipient doesn’t have the same font installed
Embedding was restricted by the font’s licence
The font wasn’t embedded or converted to outlines
The artwork was exported to a raster format (e.g. JPEG or PNG)
The software substituted a fall-back font automatically

Always check your exported file carefully — particularly text alignment and spacing — before approving for print.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a font just for Photoshop?
No. Fonts are installed system-wide. Photoshop reads from your operating system’s font library.

Do I need to restart Photoshop after installing a font?
Usually, yes. Photoshop caches available fonts when launched.

Will my new font work across Adobe apps?
Yes. Once installed or activated through Adobe Fonts, it will appear in Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat.

Are all fonts suitable for embedding in print files?
Not necessarily. Some licences restrict embedding. If you encounter an error during PDF export, convert the text to outlines before submitting.

Can I edit text after converting it to outlines?
No. Once converted, text behaves like a shape. Keep a backup version of your artwork with editable text layers.

Adding fonts to Photoshop is a simple step that can greatly expand your creative range. Just remember to use legitimate sources, manage licences carefully and prepare your artwork in a way that ensures consistent print results.

For more help preparing artwork, see: