The fastest way to add a font to Figma
To add a font to Figma, you upload it through your team's font library or install it on your computer first, then select it from Figma's font menu. Figma pulls fonts from three places: Google Fonts (built in, no upload needed), fonts installed on your device, and fonts you upload to your team workspace. Most people start with Google Fonts because they're already there—just click the font dropdown in the design panel and search by name.
If you want to use a font you own or a custom typeface, you'll upload it as a file. Figma accepts OTF and TTF formats. The upload happens in your team settings, not in individual files, so once it's there, anyone on your team can use it in any project.
Key Takeaways
- Google Fonts are available instantly in Figma's font menu without any upload or installation.
- Custom fonts must be uploaded to your team workspace through Settings > Fonts, and you need OTF or TTF files.
- Fonts installed on your computer appear in Figma only if you're using the desktop app, not the browser version.
- Once a font is uploaded to your team, all team members can use it in any Figma file without doing anything else.
Using Google Fonts, which are already in Figma
Google Fonts are the simplest option because Figma has a partnership with Google and includes thousands of free fonts by default. You don't download or upload anything. Open any text layer in Figma, click the font dropdown in the design panel on the right, and type the name of the font you want. Google Fonts appear at the top of the list, marked with a small "G" icon.
If you don't know the exact name, type a few letters and Figma will show matches. You can also browse by scrolling through the dropdown, though with thousands of fonts this gets slow. A faster approach: open Google Fonts in a separate browser tab (fonts.google.com), find the typeface you like, then search for it by name in Figma.
Installing fonts on your computer, then using them in Figma
If you have a font file on your computer and want to use it in Figma, the process depends on whether you're using the Figma desktop app or the web version. The desktop app can see fonts installed on your operating system. The web version cannot—it only sees Google Fonts and fonts uploaded to your team workspace.
To install a font on your computer: on Windows, right-click the OTF or TTF file and select "Install". On Mac, double-click the file and click "Install Font" in the dialog that opens. Once installed, close Figma completely and reopen it. The font should now appear in Figma's font dropdown when you're using the desktop app.
This method works only for you on your own computer. If you want teammates to use the same font, upload it to your team workspace instead—that's the next section.
Uploading custom fonts to your team workspace
To share a font with your entire team, upload it to your Figma workspace. This is the only way to ensure everyone has access, regardless of whether they have the font installed locally. Go to your team name in the top left of Figma, click the three dots next to it, and select "Settings". Click the "Fonts" tab.
Click "Upload fonts" and select the OTF or TTF files from your computer. You can upload multiple fonts at once. Figma will process them and add them to your team library. Once uploaded, the fonts appear in the font dropdown for all team members in all files, with a small briefcase icon next to the name to show they're team fonts.
You need to be a team owner or admin to upload fonts. If you don't have access to team settings, ask your workspace owner to do the upload for you.
What to do if a font isn't showing up
If you uploaded a font but it's not appearing in the dropdown, check that the file is a valid OTF or TTF. Figma rejects other formats like WOFF, WOFF2, or variable fonts in some cases. If the upload seemed to work but the font still doesn't show, try logging out of Figma and logging back in—sometimes the cache needs to refresh.
If you installed a font on your computer but it's not showing in Figma, you're probably using the web version. Switch to the Figma desktop app, or upload the font to your team workspace instead. The web version has no access to locally installed fonts.
Another common issue: you uploaded a font file, but Figma only recognizes one weight (like Regular) when the file contains multiple weights (Regular, Bold, Italic). This happens when the weights are in a single file instead of separate files. Check whether your font package includes separate files for each weight, and upload those individually if it does.
When to use each method
| Method | Best for | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|
| Google Fonts | Quick projects, free fonts, no setup needed | Anyone, instantly |
| Local installation | Personal work, fonts you own, desktop app only | Only you on your computer |
| Team upload | Sharing brand fonts, ensuring consistency across projects | All team members |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fonts from Adobe Fonts or Typekit in Figma?
Not directly through Figma. If you have an Adobe subscription and want to use Adobe Fonts, install them on your computer first, then use them in the Figma desktop app. Alternatively, download the font files if your license allows it, and upload them to your team workspace.
What happens if I delete a font from my team workspace?
Any design that uses that font will fall back to a default system font. The text won't disappear, but it will change appearance. You can always re-upload the font and the designs will revert to the original typeface.
Do I need to buy a license to use a font in Figma?
That depends on the font's license, not on Figma. Google Fonts are free to use. For other fonts, check the license agreement that came with the file. Some are free for personal use only, some require a purchase, and some have specific rules about commercial work. Figma doesn't enforce licensing—that's between you and the font creator.
Can I upload a variable font to Figma?
Figma's support for variable fonts is limited. Some variable fonts work, but not all. If you upload a variable font and only the default weight appears, try uploading individual static versions instead, or contact Figma support with the specific font file.