These steps are for downloading a font on a PC. I am running Microsoft 10. The process may look a little different on your computer. Essentially, you just need to download the font, unzip the file, open the font file, and install it, but these steps and photos below may help you visualize the process of installing fonts to use with your Silhouette, Cricut, or other design software.
**This post contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may make a commission on purchases made through those links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.**
![Free cricut fonts website Free cricut fonts website](/uploads/1/1/9/4/119455694/941177711.jpg)
It is important to have proper security measures in place such as antivirus and threat protection software, before downloading any files from the internet.
If you are looking for an epic list of where to find FREE and Cheap Commercial Use fonts, click here
Not all fonts work the same! That is why finding free fonts for Cricut can be very difficult. In fact, finding paid fonts for Cricut can be difficult in itself! Even when you do find that perfect font you will need to know some basic steps to help your project idea become reality. Follow these simple steps and then take a look further below at all of the best free fonts for Cricut that I have.
How to Download Fonts for Mac: Option 1 Unzip File (if not done so automatically by your computer) Double Click your font (.otf or.ttf format). How to Download Fonts for Mac: Option 1 Unzip File (if not done so automatically by your computer) Double Click your font (.otf or.ttf format). Navigate to your favorite font sites like DaFont.com or MyFreeFonts.com and find the fonts you want to download. Click on DOWNLOAD on the right-hand side of the font section. Click OPEN IN ANYFONT. This should open another window with a ZIP image and Open in Anyfont. Installing fonts in Windows; Installing fonts in Mac; Use your installed font in Cricut Design Space. Using your font in Cricut Design Space is simple. After you installed your font make sure to completely close Cricut Design Space and start it again. If you don’t do this it might be that the new font doesn’t load properly. First, Click the.
- Find the font you want. If necessary, add the font to your cart and go through the checkout process. Some sites have you do that even if the font is free, which is a good thing because then it is usually stored on your account and you can re-download it in the future if needed. The designer may also update the font or add to the file so you can access the updated version there too.
The font I am using in this example is from creativefabrica.com, it was free, and it is called Theobald. - Click the download button (this may have to be accessed through an email or your account). You should be given the option to open or save. Choose Save and Save As.
- Choose the location you want to store your fonts. (I use this external hard drive so I have a backup just in case.) It is a good idea to have a folder just for fonts.
- I rename the file (not the font) adding the site I got the font from and if it was free. Since I got this font free from Creative Fabrica and the font was named Theobald-6382, I name the file CF Free Theobald-638243.
- Click save.
- Go to the location where you saved the file.
- Select the zipped file.
- Click Extract All
- A box will open asking you to select a destination where your unzipped files will go. This is typically auto filled with the folder your zipped font is in. That is ok.
- Click Extract.
- The files will be extracted but left together in an unzipped folder (you can delete the zipped folder if you would like, after you confirm the files are in the unzipped folder). Right click the OTF file if it is available (if not, TTF is fine). OTF is an OpenType Font format is the newer version of font file and is the file that typically includes extra glyphs if there are any. TTF is TrueType Font Format.
- Click Install.
- A box will open saying Installing Fonts and will then disappear. That is it, the font is installed. If you have any software open, you need to close it and re-open it before the font will show up as an option. Sometimes (I think if you install the font without extracting it), when you right click on a font you aren’t given the option to install but the option to open. Click open and the font preview will open. Click Install and then close the box.
What if you downloaded fonts and they aren’t showing up in Silhouette Studio?
There is a known issue with Microsoft Windows permissions and Silhouette Studio. A recent update can cause fonts to go into a folder waiting for permission before they can be used. I have not had this happen yet, but a lot of Silhouette users have. Here is how to check if this is happening to you.
- On your keyboard, press the Windows key and the R keys at the same time.
- The Run box will open. Type %localappdata% into the space and click OK.
- Open the Microsoft folder.
- Open the Windows folder.
- Open the Fonts folder (if you don’t see a fonts folder, then you do not have any fonts awaiting permission to use)
- Right click on each font and select “Install for all users”.
How to save space on your computer when downloading fonts
If you are concerned with using up too much space on your computer by installing a bunch of fonts. You have a couple of options.
One option, if you have a PC, (not sure about Mac) is that you can choose to install a shortcut to a font file instead of installing the file itself.
Here is how to create shortcuts to a font instead of installing on your PC
- Go into the Control panel
- Under Appearance and Personalization go to Fonts
- Go to Font settings
- Click the box under Installation settings to allow to install the shortcut.
If the font becomes unavailable though, you might not be able to use the font, however, you can still install the font from the downloaded file later if you want, if you have it saved.
Use a font manager to save space on your hard drive
Another option is to use a font manager like Nexus Fonts. You can install all your fonts to your computer and use Nexus as a font viewer but, if you want to use it as a font manager, do not install your fonts after you download them. Put your downloaded font files into a single font file or divide them by style, project, etc. and add the file to the library of Nexus Font. You will be able to use your fonts in your design software while Nexus Font is open and once you close it, the fonts will go back to being uninstalled. A font manager is very helpful with viewing, organizing, and loading and unloading fonts if you put in the time to get it going.
It is pretty quick and easy to download fonts. I bet you will be hooked after your first one. Give it a try and start stepping up your designs.
Pin this image to share with others!
If you want to build your font library, sign up for my mailing list to be notified of free, cheap, and got to have ’em fonts, files, and creative design resources with commercial use every week.
I would love to hear your favorite font to use, or a font on your wish list.
Happy Downloading!
Megan
Not all fonts work the same! That is why finding free fonts for Cricut can be very difficult. In fact, finding paid fonts for Cricut can be difficult in itself! Even when you do find that perfect font you will need to know some basic steps to help your project idea become reality. Follow these simple steps and then take a look further below at all of the best free fonts for Cricut that I have found.
- Before you download any fonts you will first make sure the font is truly free for your intended use. Usually when a designer releases a font for free – it is only for personal use. You will want to read the license before using the font or selling any items using the font.
- PUA encoded – To make your life a little less stressful, make sure your font is in fact PUA encoded. PUA stands for “Private Use Areas” which means that you will be able to access all of the extras such as flourishes and swashes. It also means you will be able to load them into applications like Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design Space.
- Not PUA encoded? That is typically not a problem. You will only be able to access the basic standard characters but swashes, flourishes, and other extras will not show up. So if you ARE planning on using fancier characters or ornaments – make sure your font is PUA encoded.
- Once you install a new font you will need to RESTART Design Space as it WILL NOT recognize the font right away.
- That is it! Finally you are now ready to cut your text. Overall Cricut makes it SUPER easy to just type in text and go!
Free Fonts for Cricut (PUA Encoded):
PUA Encoded Benefits & Sources
How To Download Fonts For Cricut On Macbook
Remember, you can use non-PUA encoded fonts as well, however you won’t be able to access any special characters. Keep in mind some PUA encoded fonts don’t really have any special characters at all – making them easily PUA encoded, but with no added benefit. The fonts I have listed above have special ligatures, accents, swashes, or ornamental characters making them a huge benefit when using them in Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio.
All in all FontBundles is the quickest and easiest source I have found to find PUA encoded fonts. Go check them out. Look for the blue check icon!
Their current font bundles are usually PUA encoded - they are definitely worth taking a look.
Check out their paid for fonts as well. Plenty are PUA encoded!
Also see our Best Commercial Use Free Fonts list if you are a font enthusiast! Also if you need a little extra confidence please make sure you read our How to Download A Font tutorial.
Free Cricut Fonts Website
Links posted in this blog are affiliate links. Does it cost you anything? No. I will receive a small commission from purchases made at no added cost to you. I will only ever promote products and brands that I trust. Using affiliate links means I can bring more helpful information and deals to you!