This article shows you how to install a new font on a Windows computer or Mac in order to use it within Microsoft Word.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Windows
Step 1. Download the new font only from safe sources
Font installation files are often used as a means of spreading viruses and malware, so be sure to download them only from safe and trustworthy sources. In any case, absolutely avoid installing any font distributed in EXE format. Fonts are usually distributed in ZIP format or as a TTF or OTF file. Here is a short list of the most popular websites for downloading new fonts:
- dafont.com;
- fontspace.com;
- fontsquirrel.com;
- 1001freefonts.com.
Step 2. Unzip the downloaded file if necessary
If the installation file of the new font is in ZIP format, double-click on its icon, access the tab Extract at the top of the window, press the button Extract everything located inside the toolbar that appeared, then press the button Extract when required.
If the file in question is in TTF or OTF format, and not in the form of a ZIP archive, skip this step
Step 3. Double-click the name of the new font installation file
This will bring up a new window where you will be able to preview the new font.
Step 4. Press the Install button
It is located at the top of the preview window.
Step 5. If prompted, press the Yes button
Since installing a new font requires the use of a computer administrator account, you may need to confirm that you want to proceed with the installation.
If you are not using a computer administrator user account, you will not be able to proceed with the installation of the chosen font
Step 6. Wait for the font to be installed on your computer
This step usually takes only a few seconds to complete. At the end of the installation, the new font will be usable within any application and program present in the system, obviously including Microsoft Word.
Part 2 of 3: Mac
Step 1. Download the new font
There are thousands of websites online where you can download new fonts for free for private, non-commercial use. The macOS operating system supports both the OTF and TTF format which are the two most used and widespread files for distributing fonts. Here is a short list of the most popular websites for downloading new fonts:
- dafont.com;
- fontspace.com;
- fontsquirrel.com;
- 1001freefonts.com.
Step 2. Unzip the downloaded file if necessary
If the installation file of the new font is in ZIP format, double-click on its icon and wait for the data decompression procedure to be complete.
If the file in question is in TTF or OTF format, and not in the form of a ZIP archive, skip this step
Step 3. Double-click the name of the new font installation file
This will bring up a new window where you will be able to preview the new font.
Step 4. Press the Install Font button
It is located at the top of the window that appeared. The chosen font will be installed automatically inside the Mac and can be used in all programs that include textual content, such as Microsoft Word.
Part 3 of 3: Use the New Font in Word
Step 1. Make a note of the name of the font you installed
Since the fonts available in Microsoft Word are listed in alphabetical order, knowing the name of the one you just installed will make it easier for you to search.
Step 2. Start Microsoft Word
It features a white "W" icon on a dark blue background.
If Microsoft Word was already running when you installed the new font, you will need to restart it. If you do not do this, the new font will not be available within the program until the next restart of Word
Step 3. Choose the Blank Document option
It is located at the top left of the main Word screen. This will create a new blank document.
Step 4. Go to the Home tab
It's at the top of the Word window.
Step 5. Access the "Font" drop-down menu
Click the icon
located to the right of the name of the font currently selected for use and visible in the toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear containing a complete list of all the fonts on your computer.
Step 6. Find the new font to use
Scroll through the list until you find the name of the font you just installed.
Step 7. Test the new font
Select its name from the "Font" menu, then start typing some text. You will most likely need to change the font size to be able to read it clearly and give it a normal look.
Advice
- After completing the installation of the new font, it will be available for use within all programs that are part of the Microsoft Office package.
- If you need to share the Word document under consideration with other users, save it in PDF format to be sure that the font you used is included in the file itself. To convert to PDF, access the "Save As" (on Windows) or "Format" (on Mac) menu in the "Save As" dialog box, then choose the option PDF.
