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Troubleshooting Installed Fonts That Won't Work
Try these tips to fix broken fonts
By Jacci Howard Bear Jacci Howard Bear Writer A graphic designer, writer, and artist who writes about and teaches print and web design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 4, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide What to Know
Easiest fix: Download and reinstall the correct version of the file, making sure the font is compatible with your operating system. Locate the font files on your system and remove any duplicates. If that doesn't work, use the font in a different app to see if the font works at all. This article explains how to fix it when an installed font doesn't work in Microsoft Word and other programs. Hero Images / Getty Images Troubleshoot Font Installations
When you add a new font to your computer, follow the steps to download the font, expand the font archive, and install it. When an application, such as a word processor like Microsoft Word, doesn't recognize the font, it might be broken. Some font problems can be fixed by deleting and reinstalling the font. If the font still doesn't display properly, follow these troubleshooting tips. Get a new download. When fonts are downloaded from the web, the files can get corrupted. Download the file again and reinstall it. If possible, download the font from a different source. Install the correct version. Choose the font package that corresponds to the operating system you're using. There's a difference between Mac and Windows fonts in most cases, except for OpenType fonts. Download all the font files. PostScript Type 1 fonts have two files. Download both font files before you install the fonts. Make sure the app can use the font. Not all programs can use TrueType, OpenType, and PostScript Type 1 fonts, especially older or DOS-based programs. Some programs use proprietary font formats. Check the software documentation to be sure it supports the type of font you are trying to use. Use the font in a different app. If the font came from a reputable commercial source such as Adobe, Bitstream, or Monotype, the font is rarely the problem. However, some freeware and shareware fonts are of lower quality and can present problems with some software. Try them in a different program. If the font still gives you problems, you may have to abandon that font. Look for duplicate fonts. Some font problems arise when duplicate fonts are installed on a computer. Locate the font files on your system and remove any duplicates. What Is an OpenType Font
OpenType is the successor to TrueType, developed by Adobe and Microsoft. It contains both PostScript and TrueType outlines, and it can be used on Mac and Windows operating systems without conversion. OpenType can include more font features and languages for a font. PostScript Type 1 is a font standard developed by Adobe that is usable by any computer system. TrueType is a type of font developed in the 1980s between Apple and Microsoft that offers greater control over how fonts display. It became the most common format for fonts for a time. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Fonts to Word How to Install Fonts in Windows 10 How to Install TrueType or OpenType Fonts in Windows How to Install Fonts in Windows 11 How to Manage Your Fonts in Windows How to Locate Mac or Windows Font Files How to Install Fonts in Windows 7 FontSpace: Download Thousands of Free Computer Fonts How to Download Fonts on iPhone How to Fix Outlook Search When It's Not Working How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directinput.dll Errors Fixing Xapofx1_5.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dcompiler_42.dll Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix D3dx9_41.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors How to Fix Dx8vb.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors What is WOFF (Web Open Font Format)? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies