How to Add Fonts to GIMP

GIMP does not have its own font library - It uses whatever fonts are installed on your operating system. So adding a font to GIMP means installing it on your computer, and GIMP picks it up automatically the next time it loads fonts.

Here is how to do it on each platform.

Where to Get Free Fonts

Before installing, you need the font file. Font files usually come in .ttf (TrueType) or .otf (OpenType) format. Both work with GIMP. Good free sources include:

• Google Fonts (fonts.google.com) - Hundreds of free, open-source fonts you can download as .ttf or .otf files
• DaFont (dafont.com) - Large collection of display and decorative fonts
• Font Squirrel (fontsquirrel.com) - Curated free fonts cleared for commercial use

Installing Fonts on Windows

1. 1
   Download the font file (.ttf or .otf). If it comes in a .zip file, extract it first.
2. 2
   Right-click the font file and choose Install (installs for your user only) or Install for all users (requires admin rights).
3. 3
   Restart GIMP. The font will appear in the font list inside GIMP's Text tool options.

Installing Fonts on Mac

1. 1
   Download the font file and double-click it.
2. 2
   Font Book opens and shows a preview. Click Install Font.
3. 3
   Restart GIMP to pick up the new font.

Installing Fonts on Linux

On Linux you have two options - System-wide or user-only:

Refreshing Fonts Without Restarting GIMP

If you installed a font while GIMP was already open, you do not always have to restart. Go to Filters - Script-Fu - Console and run:

(gimp-fonts-refresh)

Then open the font list in the Text tool and the new font should appear. If it still does not show, a full GIMP restart will always do it.

Once your fonts are installed, you can use them right away in the Text tool to add captions, titles, or labels to any image.