How to Add a Font to Figma (Browser and Desktop)

Figma doesn't have an Upload font button for individual users. Instead, it reads the fonts already installed on your computer. So adding a font is really two jobs: install it on your machine, then make sure Figma can see it. In the desktop app that's automatic. In the browser there's an extra helper and a permission most people miss.

How to add a font to Figma

1. Download the font. Make sure it's a .TTF or .OTF file, the only types Figma supports.
2. Install it on your computer. On a Mac, double-click it and click Install Font. On Windows, right-click it and choose Install.
3. Close Figma completely and reopen it.
4. Select a text layer and search for the font in the font menu.

Using Figma in a browser? Install the Font Installer

Figma in a browser can't read your computer's fonts by itself. It needs the Figma Font Installer, a small helper that runs on your computer and passes your fonts to figma.com. Install it from Figma's downloads, then refresh the Figma tab. The desktop app already includes this helper, so you don't need it there.

The catch: the browser permission

Newer versions of Chrome and other browsers ask for Local Network Access permission before the Font Installer can talk to Figma. If you dismissed that prompt, or said no, your local fonts won't appear, even with everything installed. Allow the permission in your browser's site settings for figma.com, or switch to the Figma desktop app, which doesn't need it. In the desktop app, Preferences, then Permissions and helpers, shows whether the connection is working.

Fonts Figma can and can't use

	Works	Doesn't work
File types	.TTF and .OTF	Other font formats
Computers	Mac and Windows	Local fonts on ChromeOS or Linux
Variable fonts	Supported

If you're on a Chromebook or Linux, local fonts aren't supported. The way round it's for an organisation admin to upload the fonts to the team, which makes them available without installing anything.

Fonts for a whole team

If you're on an organisation plan, an admin can upload custom fonts so everyone in the organisation can use them. Nobody has to install or update fonts on their own computer, and every file looks the same for everyone. For a brand font, this is the tidiest option, and it's the only one that helps people on Chromebooks and Linux.

When someone else's file shows missing fonts

If you open a file that uses a font you don't have, Figma shows a missing font alert. You can install the font and reopen the file, or replace the missing font with one you have from the alert. Replacing changes the text in the file for everyone, so check with the file's owner before swapping a brand font.

Font still not showing?

• Check it's a .TTF or .OTF file.
• Quit Figma fully and reopen it, rather than just closing a tab.
• In the browser, check the Font Installer is installed and running.
• Allow Local Network Access for figma.com in your browser settings.
• Try the desktop app to see if the problem is the browser.
• Check you installed the font for your user, and that it opens in other apps.

Using Google Fonts in Figma

Many popular free fonts, including a large set of Google Fonts, are already available in Figma's font menu without installing anything. Search the font name first: if it appears, you can use it straight away. You only need to install a font yourself when it's something Figma doesn't already offer, such as a brand font you've licensed or one you've downloaded from a foundry.

Choosing fonts for your designs

• Stick to one or two families per project.
• Check the font's licence covers your use, especially for client and commercial work.
• Pick fonts with several weights so headings and body text match.
• Test readability at small sizes, especially for mobile designs.

Before you set fonts up for a whole team, it helps to know which Figma plan and seat types you need, and our Figma plans and seats guide sets that out.

Fonts in files you share or hand over

When you send a Figma file to a client or developer, they'll only see your custom font if they have it too, or if it's uploaded to your organisation. Otherwise their copy shows a missing font and falls back to something else, which can make your layout look broken. Tell them which fonts the design uses and where to get them, and include the font names in any handover notes so the finished website or product matches the design.

If you're deciding between design tools, my comparison of common UI and UX mistakes covers what to watch for in any tool, and my guide to colour harmony pairs well with choosing fonts.

My verdict

Install the font on your computer, restart Figma, and the desktop app will pick it up. In the browser, you also need the Figma Font Installer and the Local Network Access permission, which is the step most people miss. Stick to TTF or OTF files, and for teams or Chromebook users, ask an admin to upload brand fonts to the organisation. For more on design that works, see my notes on web design trends.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to restart Figma after installing a font?

Yes. Quit Figma fully and reopen it so it picks up the new font.

Can I upload a font directly to Figma?

Individuals install fonts on their computer. Organisation admins can upload custom fonts for the team.

Why isn't my font showing in Figma?

Restart Figma, check it's TTF or OTF, and in the browser make sure the Font Installer and Local Network Access are allowed.

Do I need the Figma Font Installer for the desktop app?

No. The desktop app includes the font helper.

What font files does Figma support?

Only .TTF and .OTF files.

Can I use local fonts in Figma on a Chromebook?

No. Ask an admin to upload them to your organisation instead.

Does Figma support variable fonts?

Yes.