How to install a font

Installing a PC font

1) Your version of Windows may install the font automatically. From Windows Explorer, open the ZIP file and drag the .ttf files from the ZIP file into the c:\windows\fonts or c:\winnt\fonts folder (whichever applies to your system). Windows will automatically install the fonts dragged into the Fonts folder.

If that does not work:

1) Go to the Windows 95/98/2000/XP Desktop. Double click on the "My Computer" icon. Double click on the "Control Panel" icon. Double click the "Fonts" icon. You should now be able to view all the fonts installed on your PC.

2) Click on "File" or <Alt-F>and when the popdown appears select "Install New Fonts" or "Add fonts". The fonts are placed by default in the unzipped folder. If they're not, you should search until you find the folder into which you unzipped the fonts. For the final step Double click on the font you wish to install. Click on the OK button to install the font. You can also make multiple selections and click on any given checkbox you may want to set differently than the default.

If you try to install fonts already installed, you will be presented with a warning window telling you that you cannot install the font unless you first un-install it. Simply pres the <OK> button there.

Windows 95 and 98 have a limit how many fonts can be installed. Anything over 1000 fonts is likely to cause problems, so make sure not to install more than a 1000 fonts. Having more than about 300 fonts installed will eat up a lot of system resources and slow down the computer considerably, so don't overdo the number of fonts you're going to install.

If you don't get the "Install new font" option, do the following: go to MS-DOS mode, go to the C:\windows or c:\winnt directory and type attrib +s fonts. Press enter and once you arrive at the C:\ prompt again press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot the computer. This should enable the "Install New Fonts" option.

There may be some difference between the 95/98 and NT/2000 versions of Microsoft Windows. But the general idea should be about the same as explained above. Just try to find the above mentioned tasks and you'll get it working in no time.

Installing a MAC font

After downloading the font file, you'll need to Unstuff it, the PC Unzip equivalent. Unstuff it and drag and drop the folder into the System folder. You'll be informed it should be saved into the fonts folder. Press the "Return" key then Restart to use the new font.

If you have a MAC and you wish to convert PC fonts for use on your MAC there are several converters.

If you are using System 7.1, 7.5.x, 7.6.x or 8.x you can drag the fonts you want to install on top of the closed System Folder and it automatically installs them. There is a folder in the System Folder named Fonts where it stores fonts. You can install fonts at any time without restarting your computer but they will not be available to running applications, including the Finder, until they are closed and opened again. If you are using System 7.0.x, fonts are stored in the System suitcase. Drag any fonts you want to install on top of the System suitcase file which is in the System Folder and they will automatically be installed. No applications can be running when you install the fonts so make sure you have closed them all. To be sure you can restart with extensions off by restarting and holding the Shift key down as your computer boots up. If your font files are in suitcases you must open the suitcase file (shaped like a suitcase with a handle on top) and drag the individual font files onto the System suitcase file. For System 6.0.8 and all earlier versions, you must use the Font/DA mover.

See also

How to smoothen fonts

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