Font Licenses

Understanding Font Licensing

A font license grants permission to use a font in a specific way, as outlined in its terms. Fonts—like images and designs—are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without proper licensing. Even free fonts have associated licenses.

Two Main Types of Font Licenses

1. Free or Personal License

• Applies to non-commercial, personal use only (anything not intended to make money).
• Examples of acceptable uses:
  • Church potluck flyer
  • Birthday party invitation
  • Garage sale advertisement
• Not Allowed:
  • Labels for products sold in stores

  • Portfolio sites that generate revenue/clients

    
    

2. Commercial License

• Required when fonts are used for any commercial project.
• Examples of acceptable uses:
  • Church potluck flyer
  • Birthday party invitation
  • Garage sale advertisement
  • Labels for products sold in stores
  • Portfolio sites that generate revenue/clients

Key Considerations

• If you own a commercial font license and send artwork to be printed, fonts must be outlined.
• If edits are needed, let us know the font(s) used, or we can substitute a similar font at no additional cost.
• Always read the End User License Agreement (EULA) to understand the specific terms and conditions of font use.

Reminder: Even if a font is free, licensing restrictions may still apply. Be sure to review the usage terms for any downloaded font.

See the infographic below for a more in-depth view of font licensing.