How to License a Font

Fonts are one, if not the strongest element, of a brand. Usage ranging from everyday written communications, digital advertising or webshops to packaging and printed matter: typefaces shape how we communicate and how brands are perceived.

But before using a font in a project, there’s one thing you need to check: the license.

We know font licensing can feel unnecessarily complicated some time. Every foundry or provider has different rules and it’s not always obvious what you need to pay attention to. So let’s break it down into the (usually) most important parts.

What is a font license?

When you buy a font, you’re usually not buying the typeface itself. You’re purchasing a license that gives you permission to use the font files under certain conditions.

Think of it as a set of rules defining where, how and by whom a font can be used. These rules are usually written down in an End User License Agreement (EULA).

The important part? Not every font license works the same way. Always check the terms of the foundry or provider.

We know nobody wants to read walls of legal text (although it needs to exist). That’s why our EULA comes with a plain-language version, covering the essentials without the legal jargon. Check it out here.

1. Who needs the license?

Are you licensing a font for yourself, your studio, your agency or for a client? This matters.

Commercial font licenses are usually granted to a specific person, company or organisation — often describes as the licensee. The licensee is the one who holds the rights to use the font.

If you’re a designer working for a client, make sure you know who needs to own the license. Buying a font for yourself doesn’t automatically mean you can use it for everything, including client projects.

With our license the person or company that ultimately uses the fonts need to own the license. Usually the client is the licensee, while you as a designer can use the font for their project as a subcontractor. No need to buy a separate license for yourself for that project.

2. What are the metrics?

Some foundries calculate font licenses based on very specific and sometimes hard to know metrics: the number of devices, website visitors, or even the number of CPUs who will install the font files.

A more recent approach uses company size as the main metric. The important thing is to understand what your license actually covers — and whether it changes as your company grows.

We only use one simple metric: company size. Your license tier depends on the number of people working for your organisation, including full-time, part-time and temporary staff. No more counting devices, CPUs or website visitors. This should reflect the higher value bigger companies and brands can extract by using our fonts.

3. What is the range of use?

This is probably the most important question when choosing a font license. A font might be licensed for print and web use, but that doesn’t necessarily include stuff like logos, apps, films or products you sell.

Before purchasing, think about the actual applications of your case. Here are some license types offered by foundries:

• Desktop: use on your computer with standard and design apps to create printed and/or digital work

• Web: embed on your website, coming in a dedicated web file format

• Social Media: use the fonts for your social media activity

• Logo: create logos and (registered) wordmarks

• Apps: for apps, games or other digital products

• Film: specifically for films, videos and streaming

• Server: for usage on server or network infrastructure

• Products: produce and sell products that are sold commercially

• Third-Party-Sharing: share the fonts with a third party for a project
  
  

We keep it simple with only two usage packs:

Basic covers unlimited print, websites and social media use.

Extended includes everything in Basic, plus logos, wordmarks, one application, one server, retail products and films or streaming.

4. Which font formats?

Font files come in different formats, each designed for specific environments.

OTF and TTF files are commonly used in desktop applications. WOFF2 is the standard choice for modern webfont embedding. Foundries usually set rules in their licenses which formats to use for a specific application.

But: having the right file format doesn’t automatically mean you have purchased the right license. Web embedding, app integration and server use may require specific permissions.

Our fonts come in OTF and WOFF2 formats and TTF for variable fonts. For website use, we require WOFF2 with CSS @font-face integration.

5. Who can use the fonts?

Designers rarely work alone. You might need to exchange open files (including font files) with freelancers, agencies, developers or other external collaborators.

Some licenses restrict font sharing so heavily that collaboration gets really hard. Sometimes collaborators need to buy their own licenses. Others allow subcontractors to use the font for a specific project.

Always check who is allowed to access the font files before sending them to anyone. And make sure to instruct third parties to follow the license too.

Our licenses always allow subcontractors to use the font for work on behalf of the licensee. They simply need to follow the EULA and remove the font files once the project is finished. Meaning your collaborators can focus on doing their work — without everyone needing their own license.

6. Are there discounts?

Not every project has the same budget. Besides multi-style or bundle discounts, some foundries offer reduced pricing for students, educational projects or non-profit organisations.

These licenses sometimes come with restrictions, especially when it comes to commercial work. A student license, for example, may not cover client projects or work created for an employer.

We believe good typography should be accessible, therefore we offer the following discounts:

• Students: 75% discount for personal and educational projects

• Non-profits and charities: 50% discount, identically to the Commercial License

• Trial licenses: Free fully functional fonts for testing, evaluation and pitching

7. Any more restrictions?

Even a paid commercial license can come with very specific restrictions and permissions.

Common restrictions include sharing font files with unlicensed users, modifying the font software, redistributing it or embedding it in hardware. Some foundries also define specific rules for political usage, AI training or other special use cases.

Always read the full EULA and, if in doubt, ask the foundry or provider.

Our EULA clearly defines what’s allowed and what isn’t: font files must not be shared publicly, modified without permission or used for AI and machine learning training. Political, military, religious and cryptocurrency-related uses require prior written approval.

8. Can a font license expire?

Some licenses are actually subscriptions. Others are perpetual, meaning you can continue using the font indefinitely as long as you follow the EULA. Some foundries let you choose what fits you best.

It’s also worth checking what happens when your company or project outgrows the purchased license size: usally you need to check back with the foundry for an upgrade.

All our licenses are perpetual: one-time payment, use them forever (within the agreed scope). If your company grows or your usage expands, you can get in touch to upgrade or about additional rights.

So, what does this mean?

There’s no universal right or wrong in licensing fonts. It depends on who you are, how big your scope is and what you want to create. For a good start ask yourself these questions:

• Who needs to own the license?

• What are the important metrics?

• Where will the font be used?

• Are there any special restrictions?

Knowing these things will make picking the right license much easier. Now go and buy some cool fonts!