Where to find and install fonts in Procreate
Procreate doesn't let you add fonts the way you do on a desktop. Instead, you install fonts to your iPad itself, and Procreate reads them from there. This means the first step is getting a font file onto your device, then telling iPad to install it, then restarting Procreate so it sees the new font.
You can get font files from free sites like Google Fonts, DaFont, or Font Squirrel, or buy them from foundries. The file will be a .ttf (TrueType) or .otf (OpenType) file. Once you have it, you need to move it to your iPad and install it through the Fonts app — a built-in iPad app that manages all fonts on your device.
Key Takeaways
- Fonts are installed on your iPad itself through the Fonts app, not through Procreate directly.
- You can download .ttf or .otf font files from free sites like Google Fonts or buy them from font foundries.
- After installing a font on iPad, you must close and reopen Procreate completely for it to appear in the font list.
- If a font doesn't show up in Procreate after restart, check the Fonts app to confirm it installed successfully.
Download a font file to your iPad
Open Safari or your browser on your iPad and go to a font source. Google Fonts is the simplest starting point — the site is free and every font works on iPad. Search for a font you want, then look for a download button or link. On Google Fonts, tap the download icon (usually an arrow pointing down) next to the font name.
The file will download to your Downloads folder. You'll see a notification at the bottom of the screen. Tap and hold on the downloaded file, then choose "Share" or look for an option to open it with the Fonts app. If you don't see the Fonts app in the list, tap "More" to find it.
Install the font through the Fonts app
When you tap "Open with Fonts app," iPad will show you a preview of the font and an "Add Fonts" button at the bottom right. Tap that button. The Fonts app will ask which apps you want to use this font with — Procreate is usually listed. Make sure Procreate is toggled on, then tap "Install" or "Add".
The font is now installed on your iPad. You'll see it appear in the Fonts app under "All Fonts" or in a collection. But Procreate won't see it yet — you need to close Procreate completely and open it again. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close Procreate fully (not just minimize it), then tap the Procreate icon to reopen it.
Find your new font in Procreate
Open a canvas or create a new one. Tap the text tool (the "A" icon in the toolbar), then tap on the canvas to place a text box. At the top of the screen, you'll see the font name. Tap it to open the font menu. Scroll down through the list — your new font should appear alphabetically by its name.
If you don't see it, close Procreate again and reopen it. Sometimes the app needs a second restart to fully load new fonts. If it still doesn't appear after a restart, go back to the Fonts app and check that the font shows as installed and that Procreate is toggled on for that font.
Install multiple fonts at once
If you're downloading several fonts, you can install them one at a time using the method above, or you can download them all first and then install them in batches. Some font sites let you download multiple fonts as a .zip file. When you download a .zip, iPad will automatically unzip it, and you'll see all the individual font files in your Downloads folder.
Tap and hold on each font file and open it with the Fonts app, following the same install steps. After you've installed all of them, close and reopen Procreate once. You don't need to restart after each font — one restart after installing the batch is enough.
Troubleshooting fonts that don't appear
The most common reason a font doesn't show up is that Procreate wasn't fully closed before reopening it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for a moment to see all open apps, then swipe up on Procreate to close it completely. Then open it again. This works about 80 percent of the time.
If that doesn't work, open the Fonts app and look for your font in the "All Fonts" section. If it's there, make sure Procreate is toggled on in the font's settings. Tap the font name, then look for app toggles — Procreate should be switched on. If the font isn't in the Fonts app at all, the installation didn't complete. Try downloading and installing it again.
Some fonts from smaller sites may not work on iPad, even though they're valid .ttf or .otf files. If a font consistently fails to install, try a different font from Google Fonts or Font Squirrel to confirm your process is working. Then you'll know whether the problem is your steps or the specific font file.
Using fonts from Adobe Creative Cloud
If you have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, you can sync fonts from Adobe Fonts directly to your iPad. Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app on your iPad, go to Fonts, and tap the cloud icon next to any font you want to use. It will install to your iPad automatically and appear in Procreate without needing to restart.
This is faster than downloading and installing manually, but it only works if you're subscribed to Creative Cloud. For free fonts, the download-and-install method is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add fonts directly in Procreate without using the Fonts app?
No. Procreate reads fonts from your iPad's system, not from its own folder. You must install fonts through the Fonts app first. Procreate will automatically see them once they're installed on the device.
Why does my font show in the Fonts app but not in Procreate?
Procreate wasn't fully closed after you installed the font. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to see all open apps, then swipe up on Procreate to close it completely. Reopen Procreate and check the font list again. Also confirm in the Fonts app that Procreate is toggled on for that font.
Do I need to pay for fonts to use them in Procreate?
No. Google Fonts, DaFont, and Font Squirrel all offer free fonts that work in Procreate. You can also buy fonts from foundries if you want more options, but free fonts are fully functional in the app.
What's the difference between .ttf and .otf fonts?
Both work in Procreate. .ttf (TrueType) is older and more widely supported. .otf (OpenType) is newer and sometimes includes more advanced features like alternate characters. For most design work, either format works the same way in Procreate.
Can I delete fonts from my iPad after installing them in Procreate?
Yes, but Procreate will no longer be able to use them. Open the Fonts app, find the font, and swipe left on it to delete. If you delete a font you were using in a project, Procreate will substitute it with a default font the next time you open that file.