Free Procreate Fonts: Where To Download Them
Finding the perfect font can elevate your Procreate artwork from good to outstanding. But let's face it, not everyone wants to shell out cash for fonts. The good news, guys? There are tons of places where you can snag free fonts to use in Procreate. Let's dive into some of the best resources and how to get those fonts onto your iPad.
Top Websites for Free Fonts
Google Fonts
Google Fonts is a powerhouse. It's not just a search engine; it's a vast library of open-source fonts that are completely free for personal and commercial use. Seriously, free. The interface is super user-friendly, allowing you to filter fonts by categories like serif, sans-serif, handwriting, and more. Plus, you can even type in sample text to see how a font looks before you download it. Integration with various design tools is seamless, and the quality is generally top-notch, making it a reliable starting point for anyone looking to expand their typographic options without spending a dime. Take your time to explore its extensive collection, use the filtering options effectively, and you'll likely find several gems that perfectly match your project's aesthetic. Furthermore, Google Fonts ensures consistency across different platforms and devices, which is crucial for collaborative projects or designs intended for wide distribution. So, whether you are designing a logo, creating social media graphics, or working on a comprehensive branding project, Google Fonts provides a solid foundation of high-quality, free typographic resources to bring your vision to life.
DaFont
DaFont is like the wild west of fonts. You'll find everything here, from elegant scripts to grungy display fonts. While everything is technically free, it’s super important to double-check the license before using a font in a commercial project. Many fonts are free for personal use but require a license purchase for commercial applications. The site itself is a little... retro, but the sheer volume of fonts available makes it worth a browse. Just be prepared to sift through some questionable designs to find the real gems. DaFont operates as a directory where designers and typographers upload their creations, offering a diverse range of styles that cater to various tastes and project requirements. This vast selection means you can find unique and unconventional fonts that might not be available on more curated platforms. However, this also means that the quality can vary significantly, and it's essential to carefully review each font's design and readability before incorporating it into your work. Additionally, because the licensing terms are set by individual creators, understanding and adhering to these terms is crucial to avoid any legal issues. Despite these considerations, DaFont remains a popular resource for designers seeking distinctive and cost-effective font options, providing a platform where creativity and accessibility intersect.
Font Squirrel
Font Squirrel prides itself on offering only fonts that are 100% free for commercial use. This is a huge plus if you're planning to use your Procreate creations for business. The site has a clean, modern interface and a handy "Font Identifier" tool that helps you find fonts similar to one you've seen elsewhere. Font Squirrel distinguishes itself by prioritizing legally sound and commercially usable fonts, ensuring that designers can confidently use their selections without worrying about copyright infringements. This commitment to legality provides a significant advantage, especially for projects with commercial objectives, as it eliminates the need to individually verify licenses for each font. The website's interface is thoughtfully designed, featuring intuitive navigation and advanced search functionalities that allow users to efficiently explore the extensive library. The Font Identifier tool is particularly useful, enabling designers to identify fonts from images or visual references, streamlining the font selection process and saving valuable time. Moreover, Font Squirrel regularly updates its collection with fresh and innovative typefaces, keeping designers abreast of the latest trends and styles in typography. By combining legal assurance with user-friendly features and a constantly evolving library, Font Squirrel establishes itself as a reliable and valuable resource for designers seeking high-quality, commercially safe fonts.
How to Install Fonts on Your iPad for Procreate
Okay, so you've found the perfect font. Now what? Getting it onto your iPad and into Procreate is surprisingly simple.
Using iFont
iFont is a free app available in the App Store that makes installing fonts a breeze. Download the app, then download your font file (usually a .ttf or .otf file) to your iPad. Open the font file, and iFont should recognize it. From there, it's just a couple of taps to install the font as a configuration profile. Once installed, the font will be available in Procreate and other apps that support custom fonts.
iFont simplifies the often complex process of font installation on iOS devices, providing a user-friendly interface and clear instructions that guide users through each step. The app supports both TrueType (.ttf) and OpenType (.otf) font formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of font files available online. Its intuitive design allows users to easily import fonts from various sources, including cloud storage services, email attachments, and direct downloads from websites. Once the font file is imported, iFont allows users to preview the font and install it as a configuration profile with just a few taps. This profile integrates the font into the iOS system, making it accessible across all apps that support custom fonts, including Procreate, Pages, Keynote, and more. Furthermore, iFont offers features for managing installed fonts, allowing users to easily view, remove, and organize their font library. By streamlining the font installation process and providing comprehensive management tools, iFont empowers users to personalize their iOS experience with custom typography, enhancing creativity and productivity across various applications.
Direct Download and Install (iOS 13 and Later)
If you're running iOS 13 or later, you can often install fonts directly without using a third-party app. Download the font file to your iPad, then open it in the Files app. You might see a preview of the font with an "Install" button. Tap that, and follow the prompts to install the font as a profile. Easy peasy!
The introduction of direct font installation in iOS 13 marked a significant improvement in user experience, eliminating the need for third-party apps and simplifying the process of adding custom fonts to the system. This feature allows users to download font files directly from websites or cloud storage services and install them with just a few taps through the Files app. The process is straightforward: once a font file (typically in .ttf or .otf format) is downloaded, opening it in the Files app presents a preview of the font along with an