How to add custom fonts to Monkeytype
Monkeytype stores font files in your browser's local storage, not on the Monkeytype servers. To add a custom font, you upload a font file through Monkeytype's settings, and the site saves it to your device. The font then appears in your typing theme options alongside the built-in fonts. You can add fonts in .ttf, .otf, or .woff format — the three formats Monkeytype accepts.
The process takes about two minutes and requires only a font file you already own or have downloaded legally. Monkeytype does not host the fonts on its servers, so custom fonts only appear on the device where you uploaded them. If you use Monkeytype on multiple devices, you will need to upload the same font file to each one.
Key Takeaways
- Custom fonts are stored locally on your device, not synced across devices, so you upload them separately to each computer or phone you use.
- Monkeytype accepts .ttf, .otf, and .woff font files, and you can upload multiple fonts at once.
- You reach the font upload tool by opening Monkeytype settings, clicking the "Fonts" tab, and selecting "Add Custom Font".
- After uploading, the font appears immediately in your theme settings under a "Custom" category and can be used right away.
Finding and downloading font files
Before you can upload a font to Monkeytype, you need a font file saved on your computer. Free font sites include Google Fonts, DaFont, and FontSpace. Google Fonts is the safest choice because every font is open-source and vetted. DaFont and FontSpace host user-submitted fonts, which means quality and safety vary — read the license terms and user reviews before downloading.
When you download a font, your browser saves it as a .zip file. Unzip the folder to see the individual font files inside. Most fonts come with multiple files: a regular weight, bold, italic, and sometimes others. You can upload each one separately, or just upload the weights you plan to use. For typing practice, the regular weight is usually enough.
Check the font's license before uploading. Most free fonts allow personal use, but some restrict commercial use or require attribution. Monkeytype is free and personal, so nearly all free fonts work, but it is worth a quick look at the license file that comes with the download.
Uploading a font through Monkeytype settings
Open Monkeytype in your browser and click the settings icon (a gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down to the "Fonts" section. You will see a list of built-in fonts and, below that, a button labeled "Add Custom Font" or a plus icon. Click it.
A file browser window opens. Navigate to the folder where you saved your font file and select it. Monkeytype accepts one file at a time, so if you want to upload multiple fonts, repeat this step for each one. The upload is instant — there is no progress bar or confirmation screen. The font appears in your font list immediately after you select it.
If the upload fails, check that the file is actually a font file (ends in .ttf, .otf, or .woff) and not a .zip folder. If you downloaded the font as a .zip, unzip it first and try again with the individual font file inside.
Using your custom font in a theme
After uploading, your custom font appears in the font list under a "Custom" section at the bottom. Click on it to select it. The font applies to your typing test immediately — you will see it change on the screen as you click.
Custom fonts work in every Monkeytype theme and mode. You can combine your custom font with any color scheme, background, or other theme setting. If you upload multiple custom fonts, they all appear in the "Custom" section, and you can switch between them the same way you switch between built-in fonts.
Your custom fonts stay on your device until you delete them. To remove a custom font, open settings, go to the Fonts section, find your custom font in the list, and click the trash icon next to it. The font disappears from your options immediately.
Troubleshooting common upload problems
If a font file does not upload, the most common cause is that you are trying to upload a .zip file instead of the font file itself. Download managers and browsers often keep files zipped. Right-click the downloaded file, select "Extract All" (Windows) or double-click it (Mac), then try uploading the unzipped font file.
Some fonts come with multiple files in the same folder — a regular weight, bold, italic, and so on. Monkeytype treats each file as a separate font, so uploading FontName-Bold.ttf and FontName-Regular.ttf creates two separate entries in your font list. This is normal and lets you choose which weight you prefer for typing.
If a font uploads but looks wrong — pixelated, stretched, or unreadable — the font file itself may be corrupted or designed for a specific use (like decorative fonts or symbol fonts). Try a different font file. Google Fonts are almost always reliable for typing.
Font file formats and compatibility
Monkeytype works with three font formats: TrueType (.ttf), OpenType (.otf), and Web Open Font Format (.woff). Most free fonts come as .ttf files, which is the most common format. .otf files are also common and work identically. .woff files are optimized for web use and are smaller, but less common in free font downloads.
If you find a font in a format Monkeytype does not accept (like .woff2 or .fon), you can convert it using free online tools like CloudConvert or FontForge. Upload the file, select your desired output format, and download the converted file. Then upload the converted file to Monkeytype.
Why custom fonts stay on your device
Monkeytype does not sync custom fonts across devices because fonts are stored in your browser's local storage, not on Monkeytype's servers. Local storage is private to your device and your browser — it does not leave your computer unless you explicitly export it. This keeps your setup private and means Monkeytype does not have to store font files for every user.
If you log into Monkeytype on a different computer, your custom fonts will not be there. You will need to upload them again on that device. Your theme settings, typing history, and other preferences sync across devices because they are stored on Monkeytype's servers, but fonts are an exception because of how browsers handle local files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fonts I bought or fonts from my computer?
Yes. Any font file on your computer — whether you bought it, downloaded it free, or it came with your operating system — can be uploaded to Monkeytype as long as it is in .ttf, .otf, or .woff format. The license terms of the font do not change because you are using it in Monkeytype instead of a word processor.
What happens to my custom fonts if I clear my browser cache?
Clearing your browser cache may delete your custom fonts because they are stored in local storage. Before clearing cache, check your browser settings — most browsers let you exclude specific sites from cache clearing. Add Monkeytype to that exclusion list to keep your fonts safe.
Can I share my custom fonts with other people?
You can share the font file itself with anyone, and they can upload it to their own Monkeytype account. Font files are just files, so you can email them or use any file-sharing method. Make sure you have the right to share the font under its license — most free fonts allow this, but check the license file that came with the download.
Do custom fonts slow down Monkeytype?
No. Custom fonts are stored locally on your device, so they do not affect Monkeytype's performance or your internet speed. Loading a custom font is the same as loading a built-in font from a performance standpoint.
Can I use a font that is not installed on my computer?
Yes. You do not need to install a font on your computer to use it in Monkeytype. Download the font file, upload it to Monkeytype, and it works. The font only appears in Monkeytype, not in other programs, unless you install it separately on your operating system.