You have found the perfect typeface — maybe you just identified it from a photo. Before you put it in a logo, a client project or an app, there is one more question: can you use this font commercially? The answer depends on the font's license, not on whether you can download it.
This is general information, not legal advice. Always read the license that comes with the font you use.
A Font Is Software, and It Comes With a License
A font file is licensed, not owned. The license says where you may use the font (your computer, a website, an app), for what (personal or commercial work), and whether you may share or modify the file. Two fonts that look equally free can have very different terms.
Common License Types
| License type | What it usually allows |
|---|---|
| Open-source (e.g. SIL OFL) | Free for commercial use, embedding and modification; the font itself may not be sold alone |
| Free for personal use | Personal projects only; commercial use needs a paid license |
| Commercial desktop | Install on a set number of computers to create documents, graphics and print |
| Web font | Embed on websites, often priced by traffic or page views |
| App / embedding | Bundle the font file inside an app, game or e-book |
| Bundled with OS or software | Use within that product; redistributing the font file is usually not allowed |
Open-source fonts
The SIL Open Font License (OFL) is the most common open-source font license. It allows the font to be used, embedded and modified freely, including commercially; the main restriction is that the font may not be sold on its own. The Google Fonts library is made up of open-source fonts, most of them under the OFL.
"Free for personal use"
Many free-download sites host fonts that are only free for personal projects. Using one in a client logo, product packaging or advertising usually requires buying a commercial license from the designer.
Commercial licenses
Commercial foundries often license separately by use: desktop (making graphics and print), web (embedding on a site), app (bundling the font in software), and sometimes broadcast or logo use. A desktop license alone often does not cover a website or an app.
Questions to Check Before You Use a Font
- Who publishes it? Find the original foundry or designer, not just a download site.
- What license comes with it? Read the license file or the publisher's license page.
- Does it cover your use? Print, logo, website, app and resale can each be treated differently.
- How many users or devices? Desktop licenses are often per seat.
- Can you embed or modify it? Converting or editing the font file may need permission.
Use Font Snap's License Field as a Starting Point
When Font Snap identifies a typeface, each match lists its designer, foundry and license, along with where to get it. Treat that as a starting point and confirm the terms with the foundry before commercial use — license terms can change, and the publisher's own license is what counts.
If You Cannot License the Font
If the exact typeface is too expensive or not licensable for your use, look for a close alternative under an open-source license. Knowing its category and sub-style — see serif vs sans serif — makes it much easier to find a look-alike you are free to use.