How To Download Fonts Correctly On Mac

01-05-2021 admin

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Troubleshoot font issues in Adobe applications on Mac OS X

This document can assist you in resolving problems that occur when you install fonts or when using fonts with Adobe applications in Mac OS X. Font problems can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following:

Step 2: Click Appearance and Personalization and then Fonts. Step 3: Either scroll through the list or use your keyboard to search for a specific font. When you find the right one, click it. Install fonts from your Mac or network: Click the Add button in the Font Book toolbar, locate and select the font, then click Open. Download fonts: Click All Fonts in the sidebar on the left, then select a dimmed font family or one or more styles. Click Download in the preview pane, then click Download in.

Fonts don't appear in the font menu of your applications.
Fonts don't print correctly.
Fonts in menus and dialog boxes have incorrect letters or characters.
Fonts don't appear correct onscreen.
Errors or crashes occur after installing fonts.
Fonts are available to certain users only.

To benefit most from this document, perform the following tasks in order.

If you use an unsupported font format, the system can't display or print the font in applications.

Mac OS X supports the following font formats:

.dfont
Multiple Master (Mac OS X 10.2 and later only)
OpenType (.otf)
TrueType (.ttf)
TrueType Collection (.ttc)
Type 1 (PostScript)

2. Make sure the font is installed in the correct folder.

Mac OS X includes five font folders that allow you to use fonts in different ways. You can install fonts to as many folders as required because Mac OS X permits duplicate copies of a font in the system. If fonts have duplicate names, Mac OS X uses fonts—without regard to font format—from the following locations in the order listed:

Users/[user name]/Library/Fonts
Library/Fonts
Network/Library/Fonts
System/Library/Fonts (Avoid changing this folder. It contains .dfont fonts that Mac OS X requires for system use and display. For more information, see Mac OS X: Font locations and their purposes.)
System Folder/Fonts

Note: Fonts installed in System Folder/Fonts are available to all Classic, Carbon, and Cocoa applications.

To install a font in Mac OS X, do the following:

Quit all applications (to use the font in those applications).

If you're installing fonts to the Users/[user name]/Library/Font folder, log in with your user name.
If you're installing fonts to the Library/Fonts folder, log in as Administrator.
If you're installing fonts to the Network/Library/Fonts folder on a networked server, contact your network administrator.

Drag the font files from the original media (for example, a CD) to one or more of the following folders on the hard disk:

Note: When installing PostScript fonts, drag both the outline font file and bitmap font suitcase to the appropriate folder. (In Mac OS X, font suitcases look and behave like other font files. You can't open them by double-clicking the file as you can in Mac OS 9.)

System Folder/Fonts, to access the font in applications running in Mac OS X and applications running in Classic mode (Mac OS 9)
Library/Fonts, to access the font in all applications by all users in Mac OS X. (The font isn't available in applications running in Classic mode.)
Users/[user name]/Library/Fonts—used by a specific user in Mac OS X. (The font is available in all applications in Mac OS X only when you log in as the specified user.)
Network/Library/Fonts—accessed by remote users on a networked file server running Mac OS X over a local area network (LAN)

3. Check that both screen and printing files are installed. (PostScript fonts)

To use PostScript fonts in Mac OS X, install the bitmap (screen), or the suitcase containing the bitmap fonts, and outline (printer) fonts to the same folder. (Adobe bitmap font files use the font name. The outline files use a shortened, PostScript version of the font name [for example, 'Isabe' for the Isabella font].) If an outline font file isn't installed, the font can print incorrectly. If the bitmap font file isn't installed, the font isn't available in the font menu.

4. Use Adobe Type Manager (ATM) with Classic applications.

ATM prevents fonts from appearing jagged onscreen and therefore helps PostScript fonts print more smoothly on nonPostScript printers when running applications in Classic mode. You can download a free version of ATM Light 4.6 from the Adobe website.

5. Troubleshoot third-party font management software.

Deactivate all font management utilities, such as Extensis Suitcase Fusion, Insider FontAgent Pro, or Linotype FontExplorer X. Attempt to perform the action that previously produced the problem (launching your application, accessing the font menu, and so on). Then do one of the following:

If the problem recurs, move on to the next section below.
If the problem doesn't recur, reactivate your font management utility. Use it to perform a binary isolation of the fonts by disabling 50% of your fonts and comparing the results with both halves. Then, continue this process for the half that reproduces the problem.

Move font files from the Fonts folders in the Users, Library, and Network folders to the desktop or other location, and restart the computer. If the problem doesn't recur, one or more of the font files you moved is causing the problem. Replace font files a few at a time to determine which font is causing the problem. (For example, replace font files that start with A-E to the System/Library/Fonts folder, and then restart the computer. If the problem doesn't recur, add another small group of font files. If the problem does recur, one of the font files you just added could be the cause. Remove the font files, and add them back one at a time. Restart the computer each time until you find the particular font file that causes the problem.) When you find the font file that causes the problem, reinstall the font from the original media.

Make sure you are using the latest version of the font.

To check a font from the Adobe Type Library, select the font file, and choose File > Get Info > General to check the creation date. (If you're using PostScript fonts, check the creation date for each outline and suitcase file.) If the font's creation date is before 1992, a new version of the font could be available. For upgrade information, contact Adobe Customer Support at 1-800-833-6687.

Corrupt font cache files cause fonts to appear damaged even if they are not. A common symptom is garbled text onscreen. Once the cache has been cleared, a corrupt font cache can be eliminated as the possible source of the problem.

A system error can occur if an application accesses a damaged font.

Drag the contents of the Library/ Fonts folder to a new folder on the desktop. (If you manually added fonts to the Library/ Application Support/ Adobe/ Fonts folder, also drag those fonts to the new folder.)

Type AdobeFnt.lst, select the system drive, and then press Return.

Delete all AdobeFnt.lst files found (for example, AdobeFnt10.lst).

Restart InDesign. InDesign creates new AdobeFnt.lst files.

Try to re-create the problem. Then, do one of the following:

If the problem doesn't recur, move one font back to the Library/Fonts folder, and then repeat steps 5-6 until you identify the problematic font.
If you have a font management utility, restart it and activate fonts in small groups or individually to identify the problematic font.
If the problem recurs, move the contents of the new folder on the desktop back to the Library/Fonts folder.

Note: If no adobefnt.lst file is found in the search, make sure the search criteria are set to 'any' in the Find dialog box.

To troubleshoot fonts if you use Font Book, do the following:

Important: Do not empty the Trash before the final step in this process.

Navigate to Home/Library/Preferences and remove the following files:

com.apple.fontbook.plist
com.apple.ATS.plist

Note: The first file is the preferences file for Font Book. The second file specifies the fonts you disabled in Font Book. After you delete com.apple.ATS.plist, all previously disabled fonts load when you next log in. If you installed hundreds or thousands of fonts, the performance of your system could be slow when all previously disabled fonts are loaded.

Delete your font cache. To delete your font cache, do the following:

Locate and delete your font cache folder. For example, if you are the first user defined on your Mac, the folder is named 501. If you are the second user, the folder is named 502.
Note: If you use Fast User Switching, several 501.xxx, 502.xxx folders could be in the ATS folder. Move them to the Trash.

If requested to authenticate trashing any of these folders, provide your Administrator password.

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In this article we will take a look at where to download fonts, how to unzip the download files, and finally, how to install the fonts on your PC and Mac.

Fonts are one of the defining highlights of the internet. Both Windows and Mac come with a great assortment of fonts. However, you can still find plenty of new fonts online available for download. The internet is a gold mine of gorgeous fonts, and most are for free. Alternatively, paid fonts are cost-effective so they won’t break your wallet too.

You can benefit from what’s out there if you’re a web designer searching for the right font for a design project. You can enjoy the variety even if you’re just a hobbyist who simply loves collecting fonts. Ironically, the biggest challenge is finding the best font from the countless available to you.

Add New Font To Mac

This article contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through my links. There will be no additional cost charged to you.

How to Download Fonts on the Internet

image courtesy – pixelo.net

Free and paid fonts are available for download on various websites like Pixelo. The majority of the font formats on the internet are:

PostScript
.ttf
.ttc
.otf
.fon
.dfont

Windows is flexible with the formats. Mac computers are compatible with .ttf and .otf fonts. Generally, you’ll see the fonts labeled as “Window fonts.” In most cases, these work effectively on Mac too.

When you see a font you want to download, check if it’s free or not. Some websites will label the font set as “free” but only for “personal use.” Others will require you to pay a small fee or to “donate to the author.” In the case of Pixelo, the site offers a current bundle of fonts for a small price. Once payment is made, you can access the set anytime, anywhere, until whenever.

How to unzip fonts

Many fonts obtained online are already preset for installation. However, they are typically saved in compressed files that you must first unzip. This is the stage where most new font owners encounter difficulties. But fear not, we will show you how to access downloaded fonts and how to install new fonts on PC and Mac.

Once you click “Download,” the compressed font file (.zip) will be saved on your PC or Mac. The operating systems of both PC and Mac can unzip compressed files. Next up, we will look at how to use downloaded fonts on Mac and PC.

On Mac:

Look for the zipped font folder.
Double-click the folder to unzip.

On PC (Windows 10):

Look for the zipped font folder.
Right-click the file.
Choose the “Extract All” option when the menu appears.
Unzip the file.

Creative Fonts for Mac and PC

Fonts originate from various resources and locations. They usually come with your device, word processing or design software. Some fonts are downloadable via a disc. Others are available online.

When fonts are included in a software, they are usually set up while the actual software is installed. Most of the time, no additional action is needed. On the other hand, the fonts on a disc have to be installed on your PC or Mac. They typically come with a set of guidelines.

Downloading and installing fonts from an online source is pretty basic. But having the font folder on your computer is just the first part of the installation process. To make the fonts accessible to you, additional steps are needed. If you have a Font manager, you can easily use the font installation option to install the files. Otherwise, read on for detailed instructions on how to install fonts on your computer.

How to Install downloaded Fonts on Mac

Prior to installing fonts, ensure that you close all programs and software that are open. After installation, restart your computer to activate the new fonts.

Manual Installation

Unzip the font folder.
Launch “Finder.”
Tap the “Go” menu on top of the monitor.
Hold down the ALT/Option and Shift keys to show the Library folder’s hidden link.
Look for this folder: /Users/Your_Username/Library/Fonts. Make sure to substitute “your_username” with the name of your home folder.
Drag the font files in the folder.
Drop the font files inside.

Installation via Font Book

The Font Book is a software found on Mac computers that streamlines font management. One benefit of using the Font Book is its validation before the installation process. It verifies if the font is without a virus. It also checks for any conflicts against other fonts.

Unzip the font file.
Find the Font Book. You can search /Applications/Font Book or select the app from the “Go” menu.
Double click the software.
Double-click the font file so the Font Book can show a preview of what’s inside.
Tap the “Install Font” option.

Fonts for All Accounts

If you’d like the new fonts to be open to anyone who uses the Mac, drag the font file to the Library/Fonts folder. You need to provide an admin password to make changes to the folder.

How to Uninstall Fonts on Mac

Close all open programs and applications.
Launch Finder.
Tap the “Go” menu
Choose “Applications” and then “Font Book.”
Right-click the font you want to remove.
Tap “Remove.”
Wait for the confirmation message to appear.
Click “Remove” to uninstall the font file from your Mac.

How to Install Fonts on Windows PC

First things first: make sure that you’re installing desktop fonts on your PC and not web fonts. Desktop fonts and web fonts are substantially different from one another. They aren’t necessarily interchangeable too.

Installation for Windows 10, 8, and 7

Unzip the font folder.
Select and right-click the font you want to install.
Tap the “Install” button.

Alternatively, you can also:

Unzip the font folder.
Launch the “Start” menu.
Look for the “Fonts” folder.
Click the “Fonts” button on the Control Panel to open the Fonts Manager.
Drag or “Copy” the fonts in the Font Manager.
Drop or “Paste” the fonts in the Font Manager.

Installation for Windows Vista