Google Slides lets you upload fonts from your computer or use fonts already available in Google's library
You can add custom fonts to Google Slides in two ways: by choosing from Google's built-in font collection, or by uploading a font file from your computer. The built-in fonts are the fastest option and work immediately. Uploading your own fonts takes a few more steps but gives you access to any font file you own or have downloaded.
Both methods work the same way once you're in a presentation. You click the font dropdown, select your choice, and it applies to any text you've selected. The font stays with that presentation — if you want the same font in a different presentation, you'll need to add it again.
Key Takeaways
- Google Slides has hundreds of free fonts built in that you can use without uploading anything.
- To use a font file from your computer, you upload it through the font menu, and it becomes available only in that presentation.
- Font files must be in .ttf, .otf, or .woff format to work in Google Slides.
- Once you add a custom font, you can use it on any text in that presentation the same way you use built-in fonts.
Using Google's Built-In Font Library
Google Slides comes with a large collection of free fonts you can use without any upload or setup. To see them, open a presentation, select the text you want to change, and click the font dropdown menu at the top of the page. The dropdown shows your recently used fonts at the top, followed by a list of all available fonts organized alphabetically.
Scroll through the list to preview fonts as you hover over them. When you find one you want, click it to apply it to your selected text. You can also type the font name directly into the search box at the top of the dropdown to find it faster. These fonts are free and work on any device that opens your presentation.
Uploading a Font File From Your Computer
To use a font file you own or have downloaded, open your presentation and select the text you want to format. Click the font dropdown menu, then scroll to the bottom and click "More fonts." A dialog box opens showing all available fonts and a search bar at the top.
In the search bar, type the name of the font you want to upload, or click the "Upload" tab at the top of the dialog. Click "Select a font to upload" and choose a font file from your computer. The file must be in .ttf (TrueType), .otf (OpenType), or .woff (Web Open Font Format) format. Once you select it, Google Slides uploads the font and adds it to your presentation.
After uploading, the font appears in your font list and you can apply it to any text in that presentation. The font file stays with that presentation only — if you open a different presentation, you'll need to upload it again if you want to use it there.
Finding and Downloading Font Files
If you don't already have a custom font, you can download one from free font websites like Google Fonts, DaFont, or FontSpace. Download the font file to your computer and remember where you saved it. Most downloaded fonts come as .zip files, so you may need to unzip them first to get the actual font file.
Check the file format before uploading — Google Slides accepts .ttf, .otf, and .woff files. If you download a font in a different format, you may need to convert it using an online font converter, or choose a different font that's available in one of the supported formats.
What Happens When You Share a Presentation With a Custom Font
When you share a Google Slides presentation that uses a custom font you uploaded, the font travels with the presentation. Anyone who opens the shared file will see your custom font, even if they don't have that font installed on their computer. This is one advantage of uploading fonts directly to Google Slides instead of using fonts installed only on your device.
If you share a presentation with someone and later remove the custom font from your computer, the font will still display correctly in the shared presentation. The font is stored with the presentation file, not linked to your computer.
Troubleshooting Fonts That Don't Upload
If you try to upload a font and it doesn't work, the most common reason is that the file format isn't supported. Google Slides only accepts .ttf, .otf, and .woff files. If your font is in .pfa, .pfb, .ps, or another format, you'll need to convert it or find the same font in a supported format.
Another issue is that some font files are corrupted or incomplete. If a file won't upload even though it's in the right format, try downloading the font again from the source. If you're uploading a font you created yourself, make sure the file is saved and closed before you try to upload it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fonts installed on my computer without uploading them?
No. Google Slides only uses fonts that are either built into Google Slides or uploaded directly to your presentation. Fonts installed on your computer won't appear in the font menu unless you upload them. This is why custom fonts need to be uploaded for each presentation where you want to use them.
Will my custom font show up if I open the presentation on a different device?
Yes. Once you upload a font to a presentation, it's stored with that presentation file. You can open the presentation on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and the custom font will display correctly. You don't need to install the font on the other device.
What's the difference between .ttf, .otf, and .woff fonts?
.ttf (TrueType) and .otf (OpenType) are the most common font formats for desktop use. .woff (Web Open Font Format) is designed for use on websites and in web applications like Google Slides. All three work in Google Slides, so you can use whichever format you have available.
Can I use the same custom font in multiple presentations?
You can, but you'll need to upload it separately to each presentation. Google Slides doesn't have a way to save fonts to your account for use across all your presentations. Each presentation stores its own set of fonts independently.
What happens if I delete a font file from my computer after uploading it to Google Slides?
The font will still work in your presentation. Once uploaded, the font is stored with the presentation file, not linked to your computer. You can delete the original file and the presentation will continue to display the font correctly.