How to Install and Use New Fonts in GIMP

Where GIMP stores fonts and how to add them

GIMP reads fonts from a specific folder on your computer. To add a new font, you download it, place it in that folder, and restart GIMP. The exact folder location depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux — but the process is the same on all three.

You do not need to install fonts through your operating system first. GIMP can use fonts that live only in its own fonts folder, separate from your system fonts. This means you can keep design fonts organized just for your GIMP projects without cluttering your computer's main font library.

The fonts you add stay in GIMP's folder permanently. Once you restart the program, they appear in the font list and stay there until you delete them.

Key Takeaways

GIMP stores fonts in a dedicated folder that varies by operating system: C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\Roaming\GIMP\2.10\fonts on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/2.10/fonts on Mac, and ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/fonts on Linux.
You can download fonts from free sites like Google Fonts, DaFont, or Font Squirrel, or purchase them from foundries — GIMP works with both .ttf and .otf files.
After placing a font file in GIMP's fonts folder, you must restart GIMP completely for the font to appear in the font list.
If a font does not appear after restart, check that the file is actually in the correct folder and that the filename has no spaces or special characters that might cause GIMP to skip it.

Finding and downloading fonts

Free fonts come from several reliable sources. Google Fonts (fonts.google.com) offers thousands of open-source fonts you can download instantly without signing up. Font Squirrel (fontsquirrel.com) curates free fonts that are safe for commercial use. DaFont (dafont.com) has a huge collection, though you should check the license for each font before using it in paid work.

When you download a font, you get a compressed file (usually a .zip folder). Open it and look inside — you will see one or more font files. These files end in .ttf (TrueType) or .otf (OpenType). GIMP works with both. Extract these files to your computer somewhere you can find them, like your Downloads folder.

If you buy fonts from a foundry like Adobe Fonts or MyFonts, the download process is the same: you get a .zip file, you extract it, and you look for the .ttf or .otf files inside.

Adding fonts on Windows

Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\Roaming\GIMP\2.10\fonts. Replace [Your Name] with your actual Windows username. If you do not see AppData, that folder is hidden — click the View tab at the top of File Explorer and check the box that says "Hidden items".

Once you are in the fonts folder, copy the .ttf or .otf files you downloaded and paste them here. You can drag and drop them directly, or right-click and select Paste. Do not create subfolders inside the fonts folder — GIMP only reads fonts that sit directly in this folder, not in nested folders.

Close File Explorer and close GIMP completely if it is open. Then restart GIMP. When it opens, go to Windows menu → Dockable Dialogs → Fonts (or search for "Fonts" in the search bar at the top). Your new fonts will appear in the list.

Adding fonts on Mac

Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the "Go to Folder" dialog. Type ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/2.10/fonts and press Enter. This takes you directly to GIMP's fonts folder.

Drag your downloaded .ttf or .otf files into this folder. You can also copy and paste them the same way you would on Windows. Again, keep all fonts at the top level of this folder — do not create subfolders.

Quit GIMP completely (Command + Q), then reopen it. The new fonts will show up in the Fonts dialog. If you do not see the Fonts dialog, go to Windows → Dockable Dialogs → Fonts.

Adding fonts on Linux

Open your file manager and navigate to ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/fonts. The tilde (~) represents your home directory. If you do not see .config, enable viewing hidden files — this is usually done through a View menu or by pressing Ctrl + H.

Copy your .ttf or .otf files into this folder. Paste them at the top level, not in any subfolder. Close the file manager and close GIMP if it is running.

Restart GIMP. Open the Fonts dialog from Windows → Dockable Dialogs → Fonts. Your new fonts will be listed there and ready to use.

Using your new fonts in a project

Once GIMP has restarted and the fonts appear in your Fonts dialog, select the Text tool from the toolbox (it looks like an "A"). Click on your canvas where you want to add text. A text editor window will open.

Before you type, look at the Fonts dialog on the right side of your screen. Scroll through the list and click on the font you just added. The font name will highlight. Now type your text in the editor window — it will appear on your canvas in the selected font.

You can change the font size, color, and other properties using the tool options below the toolbox, or by selecting your text and adjusting settings in the text editor window.

Troubleshooting fonts that do not appear

If you added a font file but it does not show up after restarting GIMP, first check that the file is actually in the correct folder. Open your file manager and navigate back to GIMP's fonts folder to confirm the file is there. If it is not, you may have pasted it in the wrong location.

If the file is in the right folder but still does not appear, the filename might contain spaces or special characters that GIMP cannot read. Rename the file to remove spaces — for example, change "My Font.ttf" to "MyFont.ttf". Then restart GIMP again.

Another common issue is that GIMP was not fully closed before you added the font. GIMP caches its font list when it starts, so if the program was still running in the background, it will not see the new font. Close GIMP completely (check your taskbar to make sure it is not still open), wait a few seconds, and restart it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fonts I already have installed on my computer?

Yes. GIMP automatically reads system fonts that are installed through your operating system. You only need to manually add fonts to GIMP's folder if you want to keep them separate from your system fonts, or if you want to use fonts that are not installed system-wide.

What is the difference between .ttf and .otf fonts?

Both work in GIMP. TrueType (.ttf) is older and more widely supported. OpenType (.otf) is newer and can contain more advanced features like alternate characters and ligatures. For most GIMP work, either format works fine.

Do I need to restart GIMP every time I add a font?

Yes. GIMP reads its font folder once when it starts. If you add fonts while GIMP is open, it will not see them until you close and reopen the program.

Can I organize fonts into subfolders inside GIMP's fonts folder?

No. GIMP only reads fonts that sit directly in the main fonts folder. If you put fonts in subfolders, GIMP will not find them. Keep all your font files at the top level of the fonts directory.

Where can I find free fonts that are safe to use commercially?

Google Fonts and Font Squirrel both offer fonts with clear open-source licenses that allow commercial use. Always check the license file that comes with any font before using it in paid work. DaFont fonts vary by license, so read the license for each one individually.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.