How to Successfully Add Fonts to Figma: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 25 May 2023 9 min read

Ever wondered how to add font to Figma and make your designs stand out? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Figma fonts, from understanding how they work to successfully adding and managing them in your projects. Let's dive in!

1. Understanding Figma Fonts

Before we learn how to add font to Figma, it's essential to understand the basics. Figma fonts play a crucial role in determining the look and feel of your designs. Here, we'll explore supported fonts, licensing, and organization.

Figma Supported Fonts

By default, Figma supports a wide range of fonts, including:

System fonts installed on your device
Google Fonts, which are integrated into Figma
Adobe Fonts, available if you have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
Any custom fonts you've installed on your device

This flexibility allows you to get creative with your typography choices, ensuring your designs are unique and engaging.

Font Licensing

When using fonts, it's important to be aware of font licensing. Some fonts are free for personal and commercial use, while others require a paid license. Always check the license terms before using a font in your projects to avoid any legal issues down the road.

Note: Font licensing is especially important if you plan to share your Figma files with others or use them for commercial purposes.

Font Organization

Keeping your fonts organized will make it easier to find and apply the perfect font to your designs. Figma automatically organizes fonts by:

Font family: A collection of fonts that share design characteristics, such as Arial or Times New Roman
Font style: Variations within a font family, like bold, italic, or regular
Font weight: The thickness of the font, ranging from thin to black

Having a good understanding of how Figma organizes fonts will help you manage your typography more effectively as you learn how to add font to Figma.

2. Adding Fonts to Figma

Now that you have a solid understanding of Figma fonts, let's learn how to add font to Figma. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of installing fonts on your device, adding local fonts to Figma, and integrating Google Fonts. You'll be a typography wizard in no time!

Installing Fonts on Your Device

Before you can use custom fonts in Figma, you'll need to install them on your device. Here's how to do it for different operating systems:

Windows: Download the font file, then right-click and select "Install" from the context menu.
Mac: Double-click the font file and click "Install Font" in the preview window.
Linux: Consult your distribution's documentation for the font installation process, as it may vary.

Once installed, the fonts will be available for use in Figma as well as other applications on your device.

How to Add Font to Figma via Local Fonts

Now that you've installed the fonts on your device, it's time to add them to Figma. To do this, simply follow these steps:

Open Figma on your device (not the web version).
Select the Text tool (T) and create a new text layer.
Click on the font dropdown menu in the properties panel.
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find your newly-installed font. It should appear under the "Local Fonts" section.
Select the font, and voilà! You've successfully added the font to Figma.

Just like that, your custom font is now part of your Figma design toolbox!

Adding Fonts from Google Fonts

Google Fonts is a fantastic resource for designers, offering a vast library of free, high-quality fonts. The best part? They're already integrated into Figma! Here's how to access them:

Select the Text tool (T) and create a new text layer.
Click on the font dropdown menu in the properties panel.
Scroll down to the "Google Fonts" section or use the search bar to find the desired font.
Select the font, and you're good to go!

With Google Fonts at your disposal, you'll have a nearly endless supply of fonts to experiment with in your Figma projects.

3. Working with Fonts in Figma

Now that you know how to add font to Figma, let's put those skills to use! In this section, we'll cover applying fonts to text, creating text styles, and managing your fonts within Figma. Ready to dive in?

3. Working with Fonts in Figma

Great job! You've successfully added fonts to Figma, and now it's time to make the magic happen. In this section, we'll explore how to apply fonts to text, create text styles, and manage your fonts within Figma. Ready to make your designs truly stand out?

Applying Fonts to Text

With your newly added fonts in Figma, let's put them to work. Applying fonts to text is a breeze, and here's how:

Select the Text tool (T) and click on your canvas to create a new text layer.
With the text layer selected, head over to the properties panel on the right.
Click on the font dropdown menu, and you'll see all the available fonts, including the ones you've just added.
Find your desired font—be it from local fonts or Google Fonts—select it, and watch your text transform!

Remember, experimentation is key, so don't hesitate to play around with different fonts and combinations until you find the perfect fit for your design.

Creating Text Styles

Consistency is crucial in design, and text styles can help you maintain a uniform look throughout your project. Text styles store font properties like size, weight, and color, making it easy for you to apply the same style across multiple text layers. Here's how to create a text style in Figma:

Select a text layer with the desired font properties.
In the properties panel, click the "four-dot" icon next to the font dropdown menu.
Select "Create new style" and give your new text style a name.
Now, whenever you want to apply this text style to another text layer, just click the "four-dot" icon and choose your saved style from the list.

Text styles can save you time and effort, ensuring that your designs remain cohesive and polished.

Managing Fonts in Figma

As you continue to add more fonts to Figma, keeping them organized becomes essential. Figma makes it easy to manage and sort your fonts using the font dropdown menu in the properties panel. Here are some handy tips:

Searching: Use the search bar to quickly find the font you're looking for.
Sorting: Click the "Sort" button to arrange your fonts by name, recently used, or popularity.
Filtering: Use the filter options to show only local fonts, Google Fonts, or fonts from a specific font family.

By managing your fonts effectively, you can keep your workflow smooth and ensure that you always find the right font for the job.

Now that you know how to add font to Figma and work with them efficiently, you're ready to elevate your designs and make a lasting impression. But what if you encounter issues along the way? Fear not! The next section will guide you through troubleshooting common font problems.

4. Troubleshooting Font Issues

So, you've learned how to add font to Figma and work with them like a pro. But sometimes, things don't go as planned, and you might encounter a few bumps along the way. Don't worry! In this section, we'll go over some common font issues and their solutions to help you get back on track in no time.

Missing Fonts

Ever opened a Figma file and found that some fonts are missing? Relax, it happens to everyone. Missing fonts usually occur when your device doesn't have the required font installed. Here's what to do:

Install the font: If you know the name of the missing font, simply install it on your device and restart Figma. Voilà! Your design should display correctly now.
Replace the font: If you can't find or install the missing font, you can replace it with another one. Just select the text layer with the missing font, and choose a suitable replacement from the font dropdown menu in the properties panel.

Remember, communication is key—make sure to share font files with your team members or clients to avoid missing font issues in the future.

Font Rendering Issues

Font rendering issues, such as jagged edges or improper spacing, can be a real headache. But don't let them ruin your design! Here's how to fix common font rendering problems:

Check the font file: Sometimes, the issue lies in the font file itself. Make sure you've downloaded the font from a reputable source, and try reinstalling it if necessary.
Adjust font settings: In Figma, you can tweak settings like size, weight, and line-height to improve the appearance of your text. Play around with these options until you find a combination that resolves the rendering issue.

Pro tip: Always preview your designs on different devices and browsers to ensure consistent font rendering across platforms.

Common Font Errors

While working in Figma, you might come across some font errors that are, well, simply annoying. But fear not! We've got you covered. Here are some common font errors and how to fix them:

Unsupported font format: Figma supports most font formats, but occasionally you might encounter one that's not supported. In this case, try converting the font file to a compatible format (e.g., TTF or OTF) using an online font converter.
Font conflicts: If you have multiple versions of the same font installed on your device, Figma might get confused. To fix this, remove duplicates and keep only the latest version of the font.

By addressing these font errors, you'll ensure a smoother experience when working with fonts in Figma.

And there you have it! With this guide on how to add font to Figma and troubleshoot common issues, you're well-equipped to create stunning designs that leave a lasting impression. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and make your typography shine!

5. Font Tips and Tricks

Now that you know how to add font to Figma and troubleshoot any issues that may arise, it's time to level up your typography game even further. In this section, we'll share some practical tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your fonts and create designs that truly stand out. Let's dive in!

Font Pairing

Choosing the right font combinations can make or break your design. A well-paired set of fonts not only looks visually appealing but also enhances readability and creates a sense of hierarchy. So, how do you find the perfect match? Here are a few tips:

Contrast is key: Pair a bold, attention-grabbing font for headers with a simple, easy-to-read font for body text. This creates a clear distinction between different elements and improves legibility.
Don't go overboard: Stick to two or three fonts in a design to avoid overwhelming your audience. Too many fonts can make your design look cluttered and disorganized.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try out new combinations. You might just stumble upon a unique font pairing that sets your design apart!

Remember, the key to successful font pairing is balance. So, trust your instincts and let your creativity flow!

Font Scaling

When working with text in Figma, it's important to ensure that your font sizes are consistent and legible across different devices and screen resolutions. Font scaling can help you achieve this. Here's how:

Establish a baseline: Start by setting a base font size, typically around 16px, for your body text. This will serve as a reference point for scaling other text elements in your design.
Use a scale: Apply a typographic scale (e.g., 1.25, 1.5, 2) to determine the size of your headers, subheaders, and other text elements. This ensures a consistent and harmonious relationship between different text sizes.
Test and adjust: Preview your design on various devices and screen sizes to make sure your text is readable and looks great. Adjust the scale and font sizes as needed.

By scaling your fonts effectively, you can create designs that are not only visually pleasing but also accessible to your audience.

Performance Optimization

Last but not least, let's talk about performance. When using custom fonts in Figma, it's essential to consider the impact on your design's loading time and overall performance. Here are some best practices to help you optimize your font usage:

Limit font variations: Each font style (e.g., bold, italic, light) adds to the file size and can slow down your design's performance. Stick to the essential styles and weight to keep your design lightweight and fast-loading.
Subset your fonts: If you're using a font with an extensive character set, consider subsetting it to include only the characters you need. This reduces the file size and improves performance.
Use web-safe fonts: When designing for the web, consider using web-safe fonts, which are pre-installed on most devices and don't require additional loading. This can significantly improve your design's loading time.

By following these performance optimization tips, you'll ensure that your designs load quickly and run smoothly, providing a seamless experience for your users.

And there you have it! With these font tips and tricks in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to create visually stunning designs and make the most of your Figma typography adventures. So, go ahead and explore the world of fonts, and remember—practice makes perfect!

If you enjoyed learning about adding fonts to Figma and want to dive deeper into mastering this design tool, check out the workshop 'Start Designing in Figma' by Tetiana Gulei. This workshop will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Figma and help you enhance your design skills.