When working on design projects – whether for branding, marketing, publishing, or digital products—it’s essential to ensure that the fonts you use are legally licensed for your intended use. Many designers overlook font licensing, which can lead to legal issues or project delays. In this article, we’ll explore safe font licensing practices and trusted sources for commercial-use fonts, and help you navigate the different types of font licenses available.

Why Font Licensing Matters

Fonts, like software, are protected by copyright. When you download or purchase a font, you’re not buying the font itself, you’re buying a license to use it under specific conditions. Misusing fonts, even unintentionally, can result in costly legal action or forced removal of your work from distribution.

Types of Font Licenses

Understanding font licenses is key to avoiding misuse. Here are some common types:

• Desktop License: Allows you to install the font on your computer and use it in static designs like logos, brochures, and posters.
• Webfont License: Permits embedding the font on websites using @font-face in CSS.
• App License: Needed if you’re using the font in a mobile or desktop application.
• E-pub License: For embedding fonts in digital publications like eBooks or PDFs.
• Commercial Use License: Covers broader usage including advertisements, merchandise, and client projects.
• Personal Use Only: Fonts labeled this way are not allowed for commercial or client work.

Many fonts on the internet are labeled as “Free,” but free does not always mean free for commercial use. Always check the license terms before using a font for business or client work.

Safe Sources for Free Commercial Fonts

There are several trusted platforms where you can find fonts that are safe for commercial use:

1. Google Fonts – fonts.google.com
   All fonts are open source and free for both personal and commercial use.
2. DaFont (100% Free category) – dafont.com
   Be sure to check the “100% Free” tag—these are explicitly licensed for commercial use. Other fonts on DaFont may be for personal use only.
3. Font Squirrel – fontsquirrel.com
   This platform offers hand-selected fonts that are free for commercial use, and it includes licensing information with every font.
4. The League of Moveable Type – theleagueofmoveabletype.com
   All fonts are open-source and available for commercial projects.
5. Velvetyne Type Foundry – velvetyne.fr
   Offers experimental and creative fonts under open licenses.

Tips for Using Fonts Legally

• Always read the license file included with the font download.
• Avoid re-uploading or redistributing fonts unless the license allows it.
• If unsure, contact the font creator or purchase a commercial license.
• When using free font platforms, filter results by license type.

Discover High-Quality Fonts from Graffitype Studio

If you’re looking for professionally-crafted typefaces for your branding, packaging, or creative projects, explore the growing collection at Graffitype Studio. Our fonts are built with both aesthetics and clarity in mind—and each comes with a clearly defined license, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Special Offer: Use the coupon code “save20” at checkout to get 20% off your font purchase!

Image: Pixabay.com