Pixel Fonts: 8-Bit and Retro Game Lettering
Pixel fonts are built on a grid of square dots, just like the lettering of early arcade machines, home computers and handheld consoles. This collection includes classic 8-bit styles, terminal fonts, dot-matrix and LED displays and even pixelated blackletter.
24 free fonts, previewed with your text
- Press Start 2P
Press Start · Level 1
- VT323
Press Start · Level 1
- Pixelify Sans
Press Start · Level 1
- Silkscreen
Press Start · Level 1
- Jersey 10
Press Start · Level 1
- Tiny5
Press Start · Level 1
- Micro 5
Press Start · Level 1
- Sixtyfour
Press Start · Level 1
- Handjet
Press Start · Level 1
- Doto
Press Start · Level 1
- Jersey 15
Press Start · Level 1
- Jersey 20
Press Start · Level 1
- Jersey 25
Press Start · Level 1
- Workbench
Press Start · Level 1
- Bytesized
Press Start · Level 1
- Geist Pixel
Press Start · Level 1
- Bitcount Single
Press Start · Level 1
- Bitcount Grid Double
Press Start · Level 1
- Bitcount Prop Single
Press Start · Level 1
- Coral Pixels
Press Start · Level 1
- Rubik Pixels
Press Start · Level 1
- Jacquard 12
Press Start · Level 1
- Jacquard 24
Press Start · Level 1
- Jacquarda Bastarda 9
Press Start · Level 1
How to use it
- 1Pixel fonts look sharpest at sizes that match their grid; Press Start 2P, for example, works best at 8, 16 or other multiples of 8 pixels.
- 2Skip blur and soft shadows, which make the pixels look muddy; hard-edged outlines suit the style better.
- 3Pair a pixel headline with a clean monospaced or sans serif font for longer text.
- 4Check small text on the actual screen or in your game, since some pixel fonts are designed for one specific size.
Type a game title, a high score or a stream overlay text to compare them. They work great for indie games, Twitch and YouTube graphics, retro posters and tech-themed merch.
Related guides
- 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.
- 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 to upload a custom font to Canva (including your own handwriting)Canva lets you upload your own fonts on its paid, education and nonprofit plans. Here's exactly how — and which file to use.
- How to add fonts to Procreate on iPad (and use your own handwriting)Procreate can import TTF, OTF and TTC fonts straight from the Files app. Here's how, plus a trick for using your own handwriting as a font.