How to Install Fonts on Mac and Windows (and Use Swashes)

You just bought a font, unzipped the download and… now what? This guide shows how to install fonts on Mac and Windows, how to use them in Canva and other apps, and how to reach the extra swashes and alternates that make script fonts look hand-lettered.

Before you start: which file should I install?

Every Creavibes font comes with OTF, TTF and WOFF files. Here is what each one is for:

• OTF (OpenType): the best choice for design apps. Install this one first.
• TTF (TrueType): use it only if an app does not accept OTF.
• WOFF: for websites only. You do not install it on your computer, and using it on a website needs the Web Font License.

Install either the OTF or the TTF, not both. Having both versions installed can cause the font to show up twice or behave oddly.

How to install fonts on Mac

1. Unzip the downloaded file (double-click the .zip).
2. Double-click the .otf file. Font Book opens with a preview.
3. Click Install.
4. Restart your design app (Illustrator, Photoshop, Affinity, Word and so on) so it picks up the new font.

Tip: if Font Book shows a warning, it usually means a font with the same name is already installed. Remove the old version first, then install again.

How to install fonts on Windows

1. Right-click the downloaded .zip file and choose Extract All. Windows cannot install fonts straight from inside a zip.
2. Open the extracted folder and right-click the .otf file.
3. Choose Install, or Install for all users if some apps don’t see the font.
4. Restart your design app.

You can also drag font files into Settings › Personalization › Fonts to install them.

Using your font in Canva

Canva lets you upload your own fonts if you have a paid Canva plan. Go to Brand Kit, find Brand fonts, click Upload a font and choose the OTF or TTF file. The font then appears in the font list of every design.

Using the font in Canva for your own designs is covered by the Desktop License. If you make templates you sell (on Canva, Etsy, Creative Market and similar), you need the Creator License.

Using your font in Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space uses the fonts installed on your computer. Install the font the normal way for Mac or Windows, then close and reopen Design Space. Choose System fonts to find it.

How to use swashes, alternates and special characters

Many of our script fonts include extra letters with tails and swashes. They are stored in a special part of the font called PUA (Private Use Area), so you insert them from a glyph panel instead of typing them.

Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

1. Select your text with the font applied.
2. Open the Glyphs panel: Window › Type › Glyphs in Illustrator, or Window › Glyphs in Photoshop.
3. Set the panel to Entire Font and scroll to the end to find the swashes.
4. Double-click a glyph to insert it in place of the selected letter.

Windows: Character Map

Search for Character Map in the Start menu, pick the font, click a character, then Select and Copy, and paste it into your design.

Mac: Font Book

Open Font Book, select the font and switch to the Repertoire view (or the grid view on newer macOS) to see every character. You can copy glyphs from there.

Font not showing up? Quick fixes

• Restart the app, or restart your computer.
• Make sure you installed only one format (OTF or TTF), not both.
• Check that you extracted the zip before installing.
• In Windows, try Install for all users.
• In Adobe apps, search the font list by its exact name.

Still stuck? Check our FAQ or send us a message with your order number and a screenshot, and we’ll help you out.