Free Procreate Fonts For IPad: Best Downloads In 2024

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Free Fonts

Are you looking to elevate your Procreate artwork with stunning typography without spending a dime? Well, you're in luck! The world of free fonts is vast and varied, offering a treasure trove of options to enhance your designs. Let's dive into the best places to find these gems and how to get them onto your iPad for use in Procreate.

Where to Find Free Fonts

  • Google Fonts: This is a goldmine! Google Fonts offers a huge library of open-source fonts that are completely free for personal and commercial use. The best part? They're super easy to download and install.
  • Font Squirrel: Font Squirrel handpicks free fonts that are also commercially licensed. This means you can use them in your projects without worrying about copyright issues. Their website is easy to navigate, making it simple to find the perfect font for your needs.
  • DaFont: DaFont is a classic resource for free fonts. While the quality can vary, you can find some real gems if you're willing to dig a little. Just be sure to check the license for each font, as some are only free for personal use.
  • Creative Market: Keep an eye on Creative Market's free goods section. They often offer free fonts (and other design assets) that are typically premium items. It's a great way to snag high-quality fonts without spending any money.
  • MyFonts: Similar to Creative Market, MyFonts sometimes offers free fonts as part of promotional deals. Sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about these opportunities.

Installing Fonts on Your iPad for Procreate

Okay, so you've found some awesome free fonts. Now, how do you get them onto your iPad and into Procreate? Here's the breakdown:

Method 1: Using the iFont App

iFont is a popular app that simplifies font installation on iOS. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download iFont: Get it from the App Store. It’s generally free, though some features might require a premium subscription.
  2. Find Your Font: Locate the font file you downloaded (usually a .otf or .ttf file). You might need to unzip it first if it came in a .zip archive.
  3. Import to iFont: In iFont, use the "Import" function to load the font file into the app. This usually involves opening the font file from your Files app and choosing "Open in iFont."
  4. Install the Font: iFont will guide you through the installation process. This usually involves installing a configuration profile. Don’t worry, it’s safe! Just follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Trust the Profile: After installing the profile, you might need to go to Settings > General > Profiles (or Profiles & Device Management) and trust the profile associated with the font.
  6. Restart Procreate (if needed): Sometimes, you might need to close and reopen Procreate for the font to appear in your font list.

Method 2: Using Adobe Creative Cloud (if you're a subscriber)

If you're an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, you can easily access Adobe Fonts on your iPad. This is a seamless way to use a wide variety of fonts in Procreate.

  1. Open the Adobe Creative Cloud App: Make sure you’re logged in.
  2. Browse Fonts: Go to the Fonts section and find the fonts you want to use.
  3. Activate Fonts: Activate the fonts you want to use. They'll automatically sync to your iPad.
  4. Use in Procreate: The fonts should now be available in Procreate's text tool.

Method 3: Direct Installation (iOS 13 and later)

With iOS 13 and later, Apple made it easier to install fonts directly. Here’s how:

  1. Download a Font Installation App: You’ll still need an app like iFont or AnyFont. These apps help manage the installation process.
  2. Download the Font: Find your font file (.otf or .ttf) and save it to your Files app.
  3. Use the App to Install: Open the font file from within the font installation app (like iFont) and follow the instructions to install the font. This usually involves installing a configuration profile.
  4. Trust the Profile: Go to Settings > General > Profiles (or Profiles & Device Management) and trust the profile associated with the font.
  5. Open Procreate: The font should now be available in Procreate.

Tips for Choosing the Right Font

Choosing the right font can make or break your design. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect font for your Procreate projects:

  • Consider Your Project: What kind of project are you working on? A playful script font might be perfect for a children's illustration, but it wouldn't be suitable for a professional business logo. Think about the overall tone and message you want to convey.
  • Legibility is Key: Make sure your font is easy to read, especially if you're using it for body text. Avoid overly decorative or stylized fonts that can strain the eyes.
  • Pair Fonts Carefully: If you're using multiple fonts, choose fonts that complement each other. A good rule of thumb is to pair a serif font with a sans-serif font. Use font pairing websites for inspiration.
  • Think About Hierarchy: Use different font sizes and styles to create a visual hierarchy. This helps guide the viewer's eye and makes your design more organized.
  • Test It Out: Before committing to a font, test it out in Procreate. See how it looks at different sizes and with different colors. Make sure it works well with the rest of your design.

Troubleshooting Font Installation Issues

Sometimes, font installation doesn't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

  • Font Doesn't Appear in Procreate:
    • Make sure you've properly installed the font and trusted the profile in Settings.
    • Try restarting Procreate. Sometimes, the app needs to be refreshed to recognize new fonts.
    • Check if the font is compatible with Procreate. Some fonts may not work correctly.
  • Font Looks Different in Procreate:
    • Some fonts may render differently in different apps. This could be due to variations in font rendering engines.
    • Adjust the font size and kerning to see if that improves the appearance.
  • Installation Profile Issues:
    • If you're having trouble installing the profile, make sure you have a stable internet connection.
    • Try deleting the profile and reinstalling it.
    • Check if your iPad has any restrictions that prevent profile installation.

Best Free Fonts for Procreate

Selecting fonts can be overwhelming, so here are some recommendations of versatile and stylish free fonts that work wonders in Procreate:

  • Oswald: A classic sans-serif, Oswald is perfect for headlines and body text. It’s clean, modern, and highly readable.
  • Roboto: Another excellent sans-serif, Roboto offers a wide range of weights and styles, making it incredibly versatile.
  • Montserrat: With its geometric design, Montserrat is a great choice for contemporary designs. It's clean and modern, making it suitable for logos, posters, and more.
  • Lato: A sleek sans-serif font that exudes elegance and clarity, Lato is a fantastic choice for body text and headings alike. Its open forms and balanced strokes contribute to a highly readable and aesthetically pleasing design, making it an excellent option for various design projects in Procreate.
  • Playfair Display: A beautiful serif font that adds a touch of elegance to any design. Playfair Display is perfect for headings and titles.
  • Raleway: A graceful sans-serif that works well for both headings and body text. Raleway has a slightly feminine feel, making it ideal for designs that need a touch of sophistication.
  • Open Sans: Designed with optimized readability in mind, Open Sans is a highly versatile sans-serif font suitable for a wide range of projects. Its clean lines and neutral appearance make it an excellent choice for body text, ensuring a comfortable reading experience on the iPad screen.
  • Amatic SC: Amatic SC is a unique, hand-drawn-style font that adds a playful and informal touch to your designs. Its narrow letterforms and condensed design make it perfect for headings, posters, and other display purposes where you want to make a statement.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect font is like discovering the perfect brush – it can truly transform your artwork. With so many fantastic free fonts available, there’s no reason not to experiment and find the ones that best suit your style. So go ahead, download some fonts, install them on your iPad, and start creating amazing things in Procreate!

Happy creating!