Troubleshoot font issues in Adobe applications on Mac OS X
Adding fonts to your Mac is as easy as drag and drop, once you decide which of the three folders you wish to install the fonts into. Feed Computer Modern Fonts to Illustrator (works with Illustrator CS - CS3) Switch to Mathtime/Belleek fonts (works with all Illustrator CS - CS3) Install the StiX fonts (works with Illustrator CS3) Caveat: all this works for Illustrator CS, CS2 and CS3. I haven't tested with CS 4, but see no obstacle.
This document can assist you in resolving problems that occur when you install fonts or when using fonts with Adobe applications in Mac OS X. Font problems can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Fonts don't appear in the font menu of your applications.
- Fonts don't print correctly.
- Fonts in menus and dialog boxes have incorrect letters or characters.
- Fonts don't appear correct onscreen.
- Errors or crashes occur after installing fonts.
- Fonts are available to certain users only.
To benefit most from this document, perform the following tasks in order.
If you use an unsupported font format, the system can't display or print the font in applications.
Mac OS X supports the following font formats:
- .dfont
- Multiple Master (Mac OS X 10.2 and later only)
- OpenType (.otf)
- TrueType (.ttf)
- TrueType Collection (.ttc)
- Type 1 (PostScript)
2. Make sure the font is installed in the correct folder.
Mac OS X includes five font folders that allow you to use fonts in different ways. You can install fonts to as many folders as required because Mac OS X permits duplicate copies of a font in the system. If fonts have duplicate names, Mac OS X uses fonts—without regard to font format—from the following locations in the order listed:
- Users/[user name]/Library/Fonts
- Library/Fonts
- Network/Library/Fonts
- System/Library/Fonts (Avoid changing this folder. It contains .dfont fonts that Mac OS X requires for system use and display. For more information, see Mac OS X: Font locations and their purposes.)
- System Folder/Fonts
Note: Fonts installed in System Folder/Fonts are available to all Classic, Carbon, and Cocoa applications.
To install a font in Mac OS X, do the following:
- Quit all applications (to use the font in those applications).
- Log in:
- If you're installing fonts to the Users/[user name]/Library/Font folder, log in with your user name.
- If you're installing fonts to the Library/Fonts folder, log in as Administrator.
- If you're installing fonts to the Network/Library/Fonts folder on a networked server, contact your network administrator.
- Drag the font files from the original media (for example, a CD) to one or more of the following folders on the hard disk:Note: When installing PostScript fonts, drag both the outline font file and bitmap font suitcase to the appropriate folder. (In Mac OS X, font suitcases look and behave like other font files. You can't open them by double-clicking the file as you can in Mac OS 9.)
- System Folder/Fonts, to access the font in applications running in Mac OS X and applications running in Classic mode (Mac OS 9)
- Library/Fonts, to access the font in all applications by all users in Mac OS X. (The font isn't available in applications running in Classic mode.)
- Users/[user name]/Library/Fonts—used by a specific user in Mac OS X. (The font is available in all applications in Mac OS X only when you log in as the specified user.)
- Network/Library/Fonts—accessed by remote users on a networked file server running Mac OS X over a local area network (LAN)
3. Check that both screen and printing files are installed. (PostScript fonts)
To use PostScript fonts in Mac OS X, install the bitmap (screen), or the suitcase containing the bitmap fonts, and outline (printer) fonts to the same folder. (Adobe bitmap font files use the font name. The outline files use a shortened, PostScript version of the font name [for example, 'Isabe' for the Isabella font].) If an outline font file isn't installed, the font can print incorrectly. If the bitmap font file isn't installed, the font isn't available in the font menu.
4. Use Adobe Type Manager (ATM) with Classic applications.
ATM prevents fonts from appearing jagged onscreen and therefore helps PostScript fonts print more smoothly on nonPostScript printers when running applications in Classic mode. You can download a free version of ATM Light 4.6 from the Adobe website.
5. Troubleshoot third-party font management software.
Deactivate all font management utilities, such as Extensis Suitcase Fusion, Insider FontAgent Pro, or Linotype FontExplorer X. Attempt to perform the action that previously produced the problem (launching your application, accessing the font menu, and so on). Then do one of the following:
- If the problem recurs, move on to the next section below.
- If the problem doesn't recur, reactivate your font management utility. Use it to perform a binary isolation of the fonts by disabling 50% of your fonts and comparing the results with both halves. Then, continue this process for the half that reproduces the problem.
Move font files from the Fonts folders in the Users, Library, and Network folders to the desktop or other location, and restart the computer. If the problem doesn't recur, one or more of the font files you moved is causing the problem. Replace font files a few at a time to determine which font is causing the problem. (For example, replace font files that start with A-E to the System/Library/Fonts folder, and then restart the computer. If the problem doesn't recur, add another small group of font files. If the problem does recur, one of the font files you just added could be the cause. Remove the font files, and add them back one at a time. Restart the computer each time until you find the particular font file that causes the problem.) When you find the font file that causes the problem, reinstall the font from the original media.
Make sure you are using the latest version of the font.
To check a font from the Adobe Type Library, select the font file, and choose File > Get Info > General to check the creation date. (If you're using PostScript fonts, check the creation date for each outline and suitcase file.) If the font's creation date is before 1992, a new version of the font could be available. For upgrade information, contact Adobe Customer Support at 1-800-833-6687.
Corrupt font cache files cause fonts to appear damaged even if they are not. A common symptom is garbled text onscreen. Once the cache has been cleared, a corrupt font cache can be eliminated as the possible source of the problem.
A system error can occur if an application accesses a damaged font.
- Drag the contents of the Library/ Fonts folder to a new folder on the desktop. (If you manually added fonts to the Library/ Application Support/ Adobe/ Fonts folder, also drag those fonts to the new folder.)
- Type AdobeFnt.lst, select the system drive, and then press Return.
- Delete all AdobeFnt.lst files found (for example, AdobeFnt10.lst).
- Restart InDesign. InDesign creates new AdobeFnt.lst files.
- Try to re-create the problem. Then, do one of the following:
- If the problem doesn't recur, move one font back to the Library/Fonts folder, and then repeat steps 5-6 until you identify the problematic font.
- If you have a font management utility, restart it and activate fonts in small groups or individually to identify the problematic font.
- If the problem recurs, move the contents of the new folder on the desktop back to the Library/Fonts folder.
Note: If no adobefnt.lst file is found in the search, make sure the search criteria are set to 'any' in the Find dialog box.
To troubleshoot fonts if you use Font Book, do the following:
Important: Do not empty the Trash before the final step in this process.
- Navigate to Home/Library/Preferences and remove the following files:
- com.apple.fontbook.plist
- com.apple.ATS.plist
Note: The first file is the preferences file for Font Book. The second file specifies the fonts you disabled in Font Book. After you delete com.apple.ATS.plist, all previously disabled fonts load when you next log in. If you installed hundreds or thousands of fonts, the performance of your system could be slow when all previously disabled fonts are loaded. - Delete your font cache. To delete your font cache, do the following:
- Locate and delete your font cache folder. For example, if you are the first user defined on your Mac, the folder is named 501. If you are the second user, the folder is named 502.
Note: If you use Fast User Switching, several 501.xxx, 502.xxx folders could be in the ATS folder. Move them to the Trash.
- If requested to authenticate trashing any of these folders, provide your Administrator password.
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FAQ
How to install a font under Windows?
How to install a font under Mac OS?
How to install a font under Linux?
How to use a new font with a software?
How to use a font for a web site?
Why the fonts don't show up in e-mails / instant messengers?
How many fonts can be installed?
Why aren't stressed characters or numbers included?
Nothing is working!
How to create my own font?
I've submitted my font, how long will it take to be published?
Are all the fonts free of charge?
Your question isn't answered here? Ask on the forumHow to install a font under Mac OS?
How to install a font under Linux?
How to use a new font with a software?
How to use a font for a web site?
Why the fonts don't show up in e-mails / instant messengers?
How many fonts can be installed?
Why aren't stressed characters or numbers included?
Nothing is working!
How to create my own font?
I've submitted my font, how long will it take to be published?
Are all the fonts free of charge?
Extract the files you have downloaded.
Details: Click on the 'Download' button, save the zip somewhere on your hard disk, go to the place where it is saved, double-click on the zip to open it, then either click on 'Extract all files' or drag and drop the files elsewhere from the zip window (hold down the CTRL key to select several files at once)
For the 20th century versions of Windows you must install an unzip tool first.
Details: Click on the 'Download' button, save the zip somewhere on your hard disk, go to the place where it is saved, double-click on the zip to open it, then either click on 'Extract all files' or drag and drop the files elsewhere from the zip window (hold down the CTRL key to select several files at once)
For the 20th century versions of Windows you must install an unzip tool first.
- Under Windows 10/8/7/Vista
Select the font files (.ttf, .otf or .fon) then Right-click > Install - Under any version of Windows
Place the font files (.ttf, .otf or .fon) into the Fonts folder, usually C:WindowsFonts or C:WINNTFonts
(can be reached as well by the Start Menu > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Fonts).
Note that with the internal unzip tool of Windows (unlike Winzip), you cannot install a font by a simple drag and drop of the .ttf from the zip window to the Fonts window. You must first drag and drop it anywhere (for example on the desktop) then into the Fonts folder.
You can also go through: File > Install a new font... in the Fonts folder menu then browse the fonts, instead of drag and drop the fonts into the window. Although this method is laborious, it would seem that it functions better in some cases.
There are some videos on YouTube if that helps.
Tip (for Windows XP/Vista, not Windows 7/8): if you occasionally need a font, you don't need to install it. Just double-click on the .ttf file, and while the preview window is opened you can use it in most of the programs you'll launch (apart from a few exceptions like OpenOffice).
Mac OS X recognizes TrueType and OpenType fonts (.ttf and .otf) but not the PC bitmap fonts (.fon).
Files are compressed, you may need an utility like Stuffit Expander.
Files are compressed, you may need an utility like Stuffit Expander.
- Under Mac OS X 10.3 or above (including the FontBook)
Double-click the font file > 'Install font' button at the bottom of the preview. - Under any version of Mac OS X:
Put the files into /Library/Fonts (for all users),
or into /Users/Your_username/Library/Fonts (for you only). - Under Mac OS 9 or earlier:
The old Mac fonts are not supported anymore at dafont. First, you have to convert the font files (.ttf or .otf) you have downloaded.
Then drag the fonts suitcases into the System folder. The system will propose you to add them to the Fonts folder.
Copy the font files (.ttf or .otf) to fonts:// in the File manager.
Or: Go into the /home folder, in the menu select View > Show Hidden Files, you will see the hidden folder .fonts (if not, create it) then copy the font files there.
Or:(under some Linux versions - Ubuntu for example) Double-click the font file > 'Install font' button in the preview window.
Or: Go into the /home folder, in the menu select View > Show Hidden Files, you will see the hidden folder .fonts (if not, create it) then copy the font files there.
Or:(under some Linux versions - Ubuntu for example) Double-click the font file > 'Install font' button in the preview window.
How to use a new font with a software?
![Mac Mac](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/manage-and-install-fonts-with-font-book-on-mac-os-x.png)
It is sometimes necessary to relaunch the current application to be able to use the new font.
Then you may proceed as usual, the font will appear in your software's font combo-box (word processing, drawing etc.).
Then you may proceed as usual, the font will appear in your software's font combo-box (word processing, drawing etc.).
If you specify a particular font in your web pages which is not installed on the visitor's machine, it will be replaced by the default font in his browser, usually Times New Roman.
(you can specify several fonts in the CSS by priority order, but nothing is guaranteed)
The main solutions:
- To realize a title, the easiest method is to make an image. Use a drawing program and save the image as PNG or GIF.
- For a long text, you can embed the font so that visitors download it at the same time as the page, using the CSS3 @font-face property.
- Generate an image with PHP
(you can specify several fonts in the CSS by priority order, but nothing is guaranteed)
The main solutions:
- To realize a title, the easiest method is to make an image. Use a drawing program and save the image as PNG or GIF.
- For a long text, you can embed the font so that visitors download it at the same time as the page, using the CSS3 @font-face property.
- Generate an image with PHP
Why the fonts don't show up in e-mails / instant messengers?
Your correspondent can only view the fonts installed on his computer. Better avoid to send a email or an instant message (MSN Messenger, etc.) with a non-standard font; or then make sure your correspondant has installed it too, otherwise he will see a default font.
Windows is supposed to be able to manage about 1000 fonts. But avoid to install too many fonts at one time because that slows down the system. A lot of programs have to load to memory all installed fonts to be able to run.
So it is better to put fonts you use regularly in the Fonts folder. Keep the rest in any other folder or storage device, so you can install/uninstall them as needed.
So it is better to put fonts you use regularly in the Fonts folder. Keep the rest in any other folder or storage device, so you can install/uninstall them as needed.
Why aren't stressed characters or numbers included?
The present fonts on this site are freewares or sharewares, sometimes demos, which don't systematically include stressed letters, figures or certain punctuation chars.
You can check this here by clicking on the fonts to show the characters map.
You can check this here by clicking on the fonts to show the characters map.
Relaunch the target application after the new font's installation.
Make sure to have copied the .ttf file, and not the zip into the Fonts folder.
In the worst of the cases, reboot your computer.
Make sure to have copied the .ttf file, and not the zip into the Fonts folder.
In the worst of the cases, reboot your computer.
How to create my own font?
Creating a font requires some technical skills, a lot of inspiration, and the appropriate softwares. In order to learn more about the font creation process, check this: Part 1 | Part 2
I've submitted my font, how long will it take to be published?
Publication on this site is not automatic. There is a selection, each font is reviewed before being accepted or not.
If it got accepted, you will receive an email once online, otherwise no email is sent.
If it got accepted, you will receive an email once online, otherwise no email is sent.
The fonts presented on this website are their authors' property, and are either freeware, shareware, demo versions or public domain. The licence mentioned above the download button is just an indication. Please look at the readme-files in the archives or check the indicated author's website for details, and contact him/her if in doubt.
If no author/licence is indicated that's because we don't have information, that doesn't mean it's free.
If no author/licence is indicated that's because we don't have information, that doesn't mean it's free.