Typography can transform an ordinary design into something extraordinary. If you’re using Figma for UI/UX, social graphics, or branding, learning how to add fonts to Figma is essential for creating unique, on brand visuals. Whether you’re a student, freelance designer, or creative director, understanding how to add fonts to Figma ensures that your designs are consistent across teams and projects.
How to Add Fonts to Figma
The steps is simpler than most people think. Follow these steps to make sure you do it right:
- Install Figma Desktop App – Custom fonts can only be used through the desktop app.
- Install Figma Font Helper – Download Figma Font Helper (available for Mac/Windows) to sync your system fonts with Figma.
- Add Fonts to Your Computer – Install your chosen fonts locally (OTF or TTF format).
- Restart Figma Desktop – Refresh so the app detects your new fonts.
- Select Fonts in Figma – Open a project, select text layers, and find your newly installed fonts in the dropdown.
Now you can add fonts to Figma and use them in any of your designs seamlessly.
Why Add Fonts to Figma?
There are several benefits that you will get:
- Brand Consistency: Ensure all team members use the same typography.
- Creative Freedom: Move beyond default fonts and explore unique styles.
- Professionalism: Impress clients with polished, branded mockups.
Font Pairing Inspiration for Figma
Adding fonts is only half the job pairing them well elevates your design. Here are some pairings:
- Altrobyte (bold modern) + Blob Freak (quirky display) → Ideal for tech startups and creative campaigns.
Use these pairings to give your project a unique visual identity.
Adding Fonts to Figma for Teams
When collaborating, it’s vital to ensure everyone has the same fonts installed. Here’s how to share fonts:
- Package the font files (OTF/TTF) and share them with your team.
- Make sure everyone installs them locally before opening the project.
- Use Figma’s Team Library to maintain design consistency.
Common Issues When You Add Fonts to Figma
Some of these issues are as follows:
- Fonts Not Showing Up: Ensure you installed them correctly and restarted the desktop app.
- Browser Limitation: Custom fonts won’t work on the browser version of Figma.
- Font Licensing: Always check the font license for commercial projects.
Tips for Better Typography in Figma
Once you add fonts to Figma, keep these design best practices in mind:
- Hierarchy Matters: Pair bold headlines with clean body text.
- Use Contrast: Mix serif and sans-serif for balance.
- Don’t Overuse Fonts: Stick to 2–3 fonts per project for clarity.
- Preview in Context: Test your typography on mockups for readability.
Advanced Steps: Add Google Fonts to Figma
Figma integrates directly with Google Fonts. You can:
- Access over 1,400 free fonts without installing anything.
- Combine Google Fonts with your custom ones for endless combinations.
- Sync them for team use no extra setup required.
This makes adding fonts to Figma even more powerful for global teams.
Conclusion
Typography is a cornerstone of great design. Once you learn how to add fonts to Figma, you unlock the ability to craft unique, on brand, and professional designs. Combine custom fonts with smart pairings, keep licensing in mind, and maintain consistency across your team.
By following these steps, you’ll never feel limited by Figma’s default font library again instead, you’ll create typography that speaks directly to your audience and enhances your design storytelling.
