How to install fonts on Windows and Mac (and use them in Word)
A one-minute install on Windows or Mac — plus why your font might not show up in Word online or Google Docs, and how to share files that keep it.
Updated · 5 min read
Whether it's a font you downloaded or one made from your own handwriting, installing it takes about a minute. Desktop apps like Microsoft Word, Pages, PowerPoint and Adobe apps pick up installed fonts automatically. Use the .ttf or .otf file — WOFF and WOFF2 are web formats and can't be installed (why?).
Install a font on Windows 11
- 1
Unzip it
If the font is in a .zip file, right-click it → Extract All.
- 2
Install
Right-click the .ttf or .otf file and choose Install. Choose Install for all users if others use the same computer (this needs administrator rights).
- 3
Or drag and drop
Open Settings → Personalization → Fonts and drag the font file into the drop area at the top.
- 4
Restart your apps
Close and reopen Word or any app that was open, and the font appears in its font list.
Install a font on a Mac
- 1
Double-click the font file
Font Book opens and shows a preview.
- 2
Click Install
The font is installed for your user account. You can also drag font files onto the Font Book window, or use File → Add Fonts to Current User.
- 3
Reopen your apps
Quit and reopen Word, Pages or Keynote to see the new font.
Using the font in Microsoft Word
Once installed, the font appears in Word's font menu on Windows and Mac. If it doesn't, quit Word completely and reopen it. A few things to know:
- Word for the web (in the browser) can't reliably use fonts installed on your computer — use the desktop app for your own fonts.
- Google Docs doesn't support uploading your own fonts; it only offers fonts from Google's library.
- Sharing a document? The other person needs the font installed too, or they'll see a fallback font. The easiest fix is to export a PDF, which embeds the font. In Word for Windows you can also turn on File → Options → Save → Embed fonts in the file.
Frequently asked questions
Should I install the TTF or OTF version?
Either works on both Windows and Mac. If a font comes in both formats, install just one of them to avoid duplicate names in your font menu.
Why doesn't my new font show up?
Apps load the font list when they start, so restart the app. Also check that you installed the font file itself, not the .zip it came in.
Can I install a WOFF2 font?
No — WOFF2 is for websites. Convert it to TTF or OTF with our free font converter first, if the font's license allows it.
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.
Keep reading
- TTF vs OTF vs WOFF2: which font format should you use?The short answer: TTF or OTF for your computer and apps, WOFF2 for websites. Here's what the difference actually is — and when it matters.
- 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.
- How teachers can turn their handwriting into a font for worksheetsWorksheets that look handwritten, without writing them by hand. Here's how to turn your classroom handwriting into a font and use it everywhere.