How to add fonts to Cricut Design Space (Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad)

Design Space doesn't have an upload button for fonts — it uses the fonts installed on your device. Here's how to install them on every platform.

Updated September 28, 2026 · 6 min read

Cricut Design Space doesn't have an “upload font” button. Instead, it shows every font installed on your computer or mobile device under System fonts. So adding a font — a free download, a purchased font or a font made from your own handwriting — is really about installing it on your device, then reopening Design Space.

On Windows

1
Unzip the download
If the font came in a .zip file, right-click it and choose Extract All. Windows can't install fonts from inside a zip.
2
Install the font
Right-click the .ttf or .otf file and choose Install (or Install for all users).
3
Restart Design Space
Close Design Space completely and open it again. Fonts are loaded when Design Space starts.
4
Find it under System fonts
Add a text box, open the Font menu and switch to the System tab, then search for your font's name.

On a Mac

1
Open the font file
Double-click the .ttf or .otf file. Font Book opens with a preview.
2
Install it
Click Install. You can also drag font files onto Font Book.
3
Restart Design Space
Quit Design Space completely (Cmd+Q) and reopen it, then choose the System tab in the Font menu.

On iPhone and iPad

Design Space on iOS also lists fonts installed on the device, but iPhones and iPads can't install a font file by simply opening it. Apple's supported route is a font app from the App Store: the app installs the font, and you can see and manage it in Settings → General → Fonts. Some font installer apps use a configuration profile instead, which you approve in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. Once installed, reopen Design Space and look under System fonts.

On Android

Design Space for Android can list fonts installed on the device, but Android has no standard, built-in way to install your own font files, and methods vary by phone. If you have a computer, install the font there and design on it instead.

Tips for cutting script and handwriting fonts

Weld your letters. Script fonts overlap letter by letter; select the text and use Weld so the word cuts as one piece instead of separate overlapping letters.
Tighten the spacing first. Adjust letter spacing so neighbouring letters touch before you weld.
Mind thin strokes. Very thin lines can tear, especially in vinyl or paper. Choose a thicker font, or make your handwriting font with a bigger pen size.
Look for the Kerned filter. Design Space's Kerned filter shows fonts, including those installed on your device, whose built-in spacing it can use.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't my font show up in Cricut Design Space?

Design Space loads fonts when it starts, so close it completely and reopen it after installing. Make sure you installed the font itself (not the zip) and look in the System tab of the Font menu. A few fonts can't be imported by Design Space; if one fails, try its OTF or TTF version.

Should I install the TTF or OTF version?

Either works. If a font comes in both, install just one to avoid duplicates. See TTF vs OTF vs WOFF2.

Can I use my own handwriting font for Cricut projects I sell?

Yes. Fonts you create with Dearfont can be used commercially on every plan, including Cricut products you sell — see the font license.

Calligraphr, FontCraft, FontCrafter, YourFonts, iFontMaker, Fontself, FontForge, Cricut, Canva, Procreate and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Dearfont is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Prices and features were checked on each product's website on the date shown and may change.