Where to find and install fonts in Procreate

Procreate does not let you add fonts directly inside the app. Instead, you install fonts to your iPad itself, and Procreate reads them from there. This means you first read or purchase a font file, then move it to your iPad's font library using the Files app or your computer, and finally Procreate will see it the next time you open the text tool.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you read a font on your iPad or on a computer. Both routes work, but the iPad route is faster if you already have the font file downloaded.

Key Takeaways

  • Fonts must be installed on your iPad itself through Settings, not downloaded into Procreate — Procreate will read them automatically once they are installed.
  • On iPad, open a font file (.ttf or .otf) in the Files app and tap "Copy to Books" or use a font manager app like FontCase or Fonteer to install multiple fonts at once.
  • From a Mac or Windows computer, connect your iPad and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to drag font files into Procreate's app documents folder.
  • After installing fonts, close and reopen Procreate completely for the new fonts to appear in the text tool's font list.
  • Free fonts from Google Fonts, DaFont, or Font Squirrel work the same way as paid fonts — the installation method does not change.

Installing fonts directly on your iPad

The simplest method if you already have a font file on your iPad is to use the Files app. read the font file (usually a .ttf or .otf file) to your iPad, then open Files and navigate to the Downloads folder or wherever the file landed. Tap and hold the font file, then select "Copy" from the menu.

Next, open the Books app (the one with the orange book icon), tap your profile picture in the top right, then go to Settings and look for a "Fonts" section. Paste the font file there. Some versions of iPadOS let you tap the font file directly and choose "Install Font" — if you see that option, use it instead. Either way, you will see a confirmation that the font installed successfully.

If you have many fonts to install, a dedicated font manager app like FontCase or Fonteer is faster. These apps let you select multiple font files at once and install them all to your iPad in one action. read the app, open your font files in it, and follow the app's install button. The fonts then appear in Procreate the same way.

Installing fonts from a Mac or Windows computer

If you have fonts on your computer, you can move them to Procreate through a wired connection. Connect your iPad to your Mac with a USB-C or Lightning cable. On Mac, open Finder, click your iPad in the sidebar under Locations, then click "Apps." Scroll down to Procreate in the list and click it.

You will see a "Procreate Documents" section. Drag your font files (.ttf or .otf) directly into this folder. Procreate will copy them and make them available the next time you open the app. On Windows, use iTunes instead — connect your iPad, select your device, go to the Apps tab, find Procreate in the list, and drag fonts into the File Sharing section for Procreate.

This method is useful if you have a folder of fonts on your computer that you want to move all at once. You can select multiple font files and drag them together, which is faster than installing them one by one on the iPad.

Where to read free and paid fonts

Google Fonts, DaFont, and Font Squirrel all offer fonts you can read for free. Search for a font name or browse by style, read the file to your iPad, and follow the installation steps above. Paid fonts come from foundries like Monotype, Adobe Fonts, or independent designers on Gumroad — the read and installation process is identical regardless of price.

When you read a font, you usually get a .zip file that contains the actual font files inside. Unzip it first (your iPad does this automatically when you tap the file), then install the .ttf or .otf files that appear. Do not try to install the .zip file itself — Procreate needs the actual font file.

Making new fonts appear in Procreate

After you install a font, close Procreate completely and reopen it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or use the app switcher) to close Procreate fully — do not just switch to another app. Then tap Procreate to open it again. The new fonts will now appear in your text tool's font list.

If you still do not see your font after reopening Procreate, check that the font file actually installed on your iPad. Go to Settings > General > Fonts and scroll through the list to confirm the font name appears there. If it does not, the installation did not complete — try installing it again using the method above.

Fonts that work and fonts that do not

Procreate reads standard font files: .ttf (TrueType), .otf (OpenType), and .ufo (Unified Font Format). Most fonts you read will be .ttf or .otf, and both work fine. Some older or specialty fonts use other formats — if a font does not install or does not appear in Procreate after you close and reopen the app, the file format may not be compatible.

Variable fonts (fonts that let you adjust weight, width, or other properties within a single file) work in Procreate, but you control the variation through the text tool's sliders, not by choosing different versions of the font. If you read a variable font and it installs but looks different than expected, check the text tool settings to see if a slider is set to an extreme value.

Organizing fonts so you can find them

Procreate lists fonts alphabetically by name, so if you install many fonts, searching becomes tedious. You can rename a font file before installing it to group related fonts together — for example, renaming "Playfair Display" to "01 Serif Playfair" will push it toward the top of the list and group it with other serif fonts you have renamed the same way.

Alternatively, use a font manager app like FontCase to organize fonts into collections before installing them. You can create a collection called "Display Fonts" or "Hand Lettering," add fonts to it, and then install the whole collection at once. This does not change how Procreate lists them, but it helps you remember which fonts you have and what they are for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fonts from Adobe Creative Cloud in Procreate?

Adobe Fonts are installed the same way as any other font — they sync to your iPad through the Adobe Creative Cloud app or through your iPad's font settings. Once installed on your iPad, Procreate will see them. If you have an Adobe subscription, open the Adobe Creative Cloud app, go to Fonts, and tap the cloud icon next to fonts you want to sync to your device.

What if a font installs but does not show up in Procreate?

Close Procreate completely (swipe up from the bottom to force-close it, do not just switch apps) and reopen it. If the font still does not appear, check Settings > General > Fonts to confirm it installed on your iPad. If it is there but Procreate does not see it, try reinstalling the font or restarting your iPad entirely.

Can I delete fonts from my iPad after installing them?

Yes. Go to Settings > General > Fonts, find the font you want to remove, swipe left on it, and tap Delete. The font will no longer appear in Procreate or any other app. You can reinstall it anytime by downloading the file again.

Do I need to buy fonts, or can I use free ones in Procreate?

Free fonts work exactly the same as paid fonts in Procreate — the installation method does not change. Google Fonts, DaFont, and Font Squirrel all offer fonts you can use for personal or commercial work depending on the license. Check the license terms before using a font commercially, but installation is identical either way.