How to Choose and Install the Best Fonts for Procreate

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just stepping into the world of digital artistry, choosing the right font for your Procreate project can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the vast world of fonts, providing valuable insights on how to choose, install, and manage them in Procreate.

1. Getting Familiar with Fonts

Before you even begin searching for the perfect font for your Procreate project, it's important to get familiar with the basics of fonts. This includes understanding the different types of fonts, knowing which formats are compatible with Procreate, and understanding the compatibility of fonts across different platforms.

Understanding Font Types

Fonts come in many shapes and sizes and each type has its own unique characteristics. Serif fonts, for instance, have small lines or strokes attached to the ends of their letters, while sans-serif fonts don't. Script fonts mimic handwriting and are often used for more formal or elegant designs. Monospace fonts have characters that each occupy the same amount of horizontal space. Knowing the difference between these font types can help you choose a font procreate that best fits your design's mood and tone.

Font Formats for Procreate

Procreate supports several font formats, including TTF (TrueType Format) and OTF (OpenType Format). These formats are widely used and recognized by many design software and platforms, making them ideal choices when looking for a font Procreate. Remember, not all fonts are created equal, so it's important to ensure that the font you choose is in a format that Procreate can read.

Fonts Compatibility

Choosing a font isn't just about picking one that looks good on your Procreate canvas. It's also about ensuring that your font will display correctly across different devices and platforms. This is particularly important if you're designing something that will be viewed or printed in different formats. A compatible font will ensure that your design maintains its visual integrity, regardless of where it's viewed.

2. Choosing the Right Fonts

Now that you're familiar with the basics of fonts, it's time to choose the right font for your Procreate project. This involves taking into consideration the nature of your project, the readability of the font, and the mood and tone you want your design to convey.

Consider Your Project

First and foremost, think about your project. Is it a logo for a trendy coffee shop, a poster for a rock concert, or a children's book cover? Each project has its unique requirements that will influence your font choice. A children's book might need a fun, playful font while a rock concert poster might need something bold and loud. Remember, the font you choose should work in harmony with the other elements of your design. Think of it as another layer of communication that helps you tell your story.

Keep Readability in Mind

Another key factor to consider when choosing a font Procreate is readability. Even the most stylish font won't be effective if your audience can't read what it says. Certain fonts might look great in a large size but become illegible when scaled down. Others might be hard to read against certain backgrounds or when used for long passages of text. A good rule of thumb is to always prioritize readability over style. After all, communication is the primary function of any font.

Be Mindful of Mood and Tone

Last but not least, consider the mood and tone you want your design to convey. Fonts have personalities. Some are serious, some are playful, some are formal, and some are casual. Make sure the font you choose aligns with the message you want to send. A playful font might not be the best choice for a serious business report, just as a formal font might not work for a children's birthday party invitation. Remember, every font has a voice, so choose a font that speaks in a tone that matches your design.

3. Source Your Fonts

Now that we've walked through the steps of choosing the right font for your project, it's time to source them. There are numerous resources available both free and paid, where you can find a wide variety of fonts for Procreate. Let's take a look at some of them.

Free Font Resources

Everyone loves freebies, right? There are plenty of online platforms where you can download fonts for Procreate at zero cost. Websites like Google Fonts, DaFont, and Font Squirrel offer a huge selection of quality fonts. But remember, free doesn't always mean you can use them anywhere. Always check the license before using a font in a commercial project. It's always best to play it safe when it comes to copyright rules.

Paid Font Resources

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, or need a font with a commercial license, paid resources are the way to go. Websites like MyFonts, Fontspring, and Creative Market offer a wide range of premium fonts. While you do have to pay, remember that you're also supporting the designers who put their time and creativity into creating these fonts. Plus, premium fonts often come with extra features like alternate characters and ligatures that can add a special touch to your designs.

4. Installing Fonts on Procreate

Once you've sourced your perfect font for Procreate, the next step is installation. There are two main ways to install fonts on Procreate: direct installation and using font apps. Let's dive into these methods.

Direct Installation

Direct installation is a simple and straightforward method to get your fonts into Procreate. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

First, download the font from your chosen source.
Unzip the file if it’s compressed. You can do this right on your iPad or iPhone.
Open Procreate and start a new project.
Tap the wrench icon, then Add, then Add Text.
Click on "Font" at the top, then "Import Font" at the bottom.
Navigate to where your downloaded font is located on your device and select it.

And voilà! Your font is now ready to use in Procreate.

Using Font Apps

If you find the direct installation process a bit tedious, font apps can make your life a bit easier. Apps like AnyFont or iFont let you manage and install fonts directly from the app to Procreate. Just follow the instructions in the app, and you'll have your new font procreate ready in no time. Remember, though, some of these apps might require a small fee to unlock all their features.

5. Managing and Using Fonts

Now that you've installed your fonts, let's talk about managing them. After all, a well-organized font collection can help streamline your creative process in Procreate. We'll also touch on how to effectively use your fonts in your designs to make them pop.

Organizing Your Fonts

Keeping your fonts organized may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your workflow. Imagine hunting for a specific font among hundreds—it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, how do you stay on top of your font procreate collection?

Name Your Fonts: Sounds obvious, right? But naming your fonts properly can save you lots of time. Use a name that describes the font's style or mood. For example, "BoldItalic" for a bold italic font.
Create Categories: Group similar fonts together. Categories can be based on the font's style (serif, sans-serif), mood (fun, formal), or even the project they're used for.
Use Font Management Apps: Apps like FontBase or RightFont can help manage your fonts across different software, including Procreate.

Using Fonts in Your Designs

Having a ton of fonts at your disposal is great, but knowing how to use them effectively is another ball game. Here's how you can make the most of your fonts in your Procreate designs:

Less is More: A common rookie mistake is to use too many different fonts in one design. Stick to a maximum of three different fonts for a clean, professional look.
Contrast is Key: Use contrasting fonts to create interest and hierarchy in your design. For example, pair a bold, large font with a smaller, lighter one.
Mind Your Spacing: Spacing between letters and lines can make or break your design. Play around with different spacing options in Procreate until you find what works best.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with different fonts and their settings in Procreate, the better you'll become at choosing and using fonts to elevate your designs.

If you're looking to take your Procreate skills even further, don't miss the workshop titled 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using Procreate and Photoshop, providing you with an excellent way to expand your creative toolkit and enhance your digital art projects.