What is a Font License and When Do You Need One?
This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always check the specific terms of a font’s license before use.
Fonts are everywhere — on websites, packaging, social posts, and every logo you've ever seen. But behind each typeface is an important detail most people overlook: the license.
If you’re a designer, developer, or small business owner creating your own materials, it’s essential to understand what a font license is, why you need one, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Using a font without the right license can lead to legal issues, fines, or takedown notices — and it’s surprisingly easy to make a mistake without even realizing it.
This post breaks it down in plain language so you can make informed choices and protect your work.
What Is a Font License?
A font license is a legal agreement that gives you permission to use a font in specific ways. Fonts (or more accurately, typefaces) are considered software — and like any software, they’re protected by copyright. You’re not buying the font itself; you’re buying the right to use it under certain conditions.
Different licenses cover different uses. Some fonts are completely free for personal and commercial use, while others require a paid license depending on how and where you plan to use them.
When Do You Need a Font License?
You always need to check the license when:
You’re downloading a font from a third-party site
You plan to use a font for a business or client project
You’re embedding the font into a website, app, product, or digital file
You’re sharing a file that includes the font (like a PDF or template)
Many free fonts are only free for personal use — which means you can use them for a birthday invite or hobby project, but not for your logo or online shop. If you’re using a font in any way tied to a business, brand, or commercial purpose, you almost always need a commercial license.
Types of Font Licenses
There isn’t one single universal license type. Different font foundries and creators set their own terms, but here are the most common categories:
Desktop License
This is for installing the font on your computer and using it in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. It typically covers:
Print design (business cards, brochures, signage)
Static logos
Social media graphics (as long as you export them as images)
You cannot embed the font in digital files like PDFs or apps unless the license explicitly says so.
Webfont License
If you're using a custom font on your website, you need a webfont license. This allows you to embed the font via CSS (usually in formats like WOFF or WOFF2). Most webfont licenses are priced based on monthly pageviews. For example, a license might cover up to 10,000 pageviews per month, and you’ll need to upgrade if you exceed that.
App License
Want to use a font in a mobile or desktop app? You’ll likely need a separate license that allows for font embedding. This is especially important if the font is packaged inside the app software.
eBook License
If you’re publishing an eBook or digital magazine and want to embed a font, this license allows for that specific use.
Server License
This is for fonts that will be used in dynamic content generated on a server — for example, generating custom PDF invoices on the fly with branded fonts.
Broadcast License
If you're using a font in video, film, or television, some foundries require a broadcast or video license, especially for major productions or advertising campaigns.
What About Google Fonts?
Google Fonts are a popular go-to because they’re free and easy to use — and yes, they’re open-source. You can use them freely in both personal and commercial projects. However:
They’re not always the best fit for luxury or distinctive branding
You still need to make sure you’re embedding them correctly (especially with GDPR compliance in mind if your site is in the EU)
What About Adobe Fonts?
If you have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, you get access to Adobe Fonts. These fonts are licensed for:
Personal and commercial use
Print, web, and video
Embedding in PDFs
The catch: the license only applies while your subscription is active. If you cancel Adobe Creative Cloud, you lose your right to use those fonts commercially, so always double-check your rights if you plan to archive or distribute files long-term.
Free Fonts Aren’t Always “Free”
Sites like Dafont, FontSpace, or 1001 Fonts offer tons of free downloads, but many of those are only free for personal use. Always read the license terms included in the download or listed on the site. Also, be cautious of:
Fonts labeled “free” that don’t include a license file at all
Uploads from third parties who may not be the original creators
Fonts bundled into Canva, Etsy templates, or digital downloads — if you’re reselling a template, you often can’t include the font files unless the license allows redistribution
How to Buy a Font License
If you find a font you love and want to use it commercially, the best move is to buy directly from the foundry or designer. Sites like:
MyFonts
Fontspring
Creative Market
Type Foundries (like Hoefler&Co, Klim, or Commercial Type)
will walk you through the license options and pricing based on your usage. Some fonts are a one-time purchase, while others use a subscription or tiered pricing model. Pro tip: Save your receipts, license file, and proof of purchase in a dedicated folder. If a client, printer, or legal team ever asks, you’ll be glad you did.
Do Clients Need to Purchase Their Own Font Licenses?
In most cases, clients must hold their own license to any font used in a brand, website, or marketing materials. While a designer may have access to the font during the design process, font licenses generally do not allow for transfer or shared use between the designer and client. Without a proper license, ongoing use of the font may violate the terms set by the type foundry or creator. If a separate license is not preferred, the designer can recommend fonts that are:
Free for commercial use
Included in design platforms such as Adobe Fonts
Available within the website builder or tool being used (e.g., Squarespace, Canva)
Choosing properly licensed fonts ensures legal use now and in the future, especially when working with other designers, printers, or content creators down the line.
Special Considerations: Using Fonts in Logos
Using a font in a logo is a slightly different use case, and not all font licenses allow for it by default. Here’s why it matters: when a font becomes part of a logo, it’s no longer just a design element. It becomes a trademarked visual identifier. That means it may be printed on products, used in signage, turned into embroidery, or incorporated into packaging and ads across many formats. Because of this, some foundries require a special license or extended rights to use their fonts in logo designs. When you're choosing a font for a logo:
Check whether the license permits "static image" or "logo" use — many desktop licenses cover this, but not all.
Avoid fonts that specifically prohibit use in trademarks or logos — this language is sometimes buried in the EULA.
Consider converting the final logo text to outlines before handing it off (especially if the client won’t be purchasing the font). But note: this doesn’t remove the need for a valid license during creation.
If in doubt, reach out to the font creator — they can confirm whether your intended use is allowed, or offer an extended license if needed. For logos especially, it’s smart to choose fonts with clear, straightforward licensing and commercial terms — or to commission a custom logotype if you want to avoid license issues altogether.
Bottom Line
Fonts are creative works with real copyright protections, and font creators deserve to be paid for their work, just like any designer or artist. Taking a few minutes to check the license before using a font can save you a lot of time, stress, and money down the road. If you're ever unsure, reach out to the foundry or creator directly. Most are happy to clarify what’s allowed and how to license their work correctly.
