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A downloadable font is not automatically licensed for a commercial website. Permission depends on the specific licence and embedding method.
Check usage rights before approving the design. Otherwise replacing the typeface later may also change text sizes and page layouts.
Why read the licence?
You are working with font software as well as letterforms. The licence defines permitted actions involving that file.
Desktop installation rights do not always include hosting a font on a web server. Use in an image may also differ from web embedding.
Do not rely on a “free” folder name or a third-party claim. Find the creator's, foundry's or official distributor's terms for the exact version.
Terms to check
Usage method
Confirm permission for websites, apps, documents, images and other required uses. For websites, distinguish self-hosting from using a supplied service.
Check format conversion, subsetting or file modification separately. Technical possibility does not equal permission.
Commercial projects
Some licences distinguish personal and commercial use. A service website is usually business-related even without direct online sales.
Do not assume converting text to images or outlines bypasses terms. Those uses may also fall under the licence.
Scope and restrictions
A paid web licence may limit domains, traffic or other factors. Establish whether restrictions apply to one project, multiple sites or a specific organisation.
Revisit the terms as the project grows. A licence suited to a small page may need adjustment at a larger scale.
Client handover
Designers and site owners may have different rights. Clarify who purchases the licence and whether files can be shared with contractors or clients.
Access to a font service account does not necessarily permit bundling files into a project archive. Follow the provider's handover rules.
What an open licence means
Fonts under the SIL Open Font License permit use, embedding and distribution subject to its terms. Commercial design is allowed, while handling font files requires preserving the required information and observing restrictions.
Modifications may have conditions concerning Reserved Font Names. Selling the font alone should not be assumed to be permitted.
Do not apply OFL rules to every free font. Another typeface may use a different licence.
Keeping project records
Keep the file source, licence text and purchase confirmation where applicable. Record the typeface, version and date terms were checked.
Record the domains using it and who handles any required service renewal.
Include a clear handover guide. Owners should know whether display depends on a subscription, third-party account or hosted files.
If permission is unclear
Check the official source and distribution files first. Ask the rights holder if the intended use is not covered.
Until confirmed, choose a typeface with clear terms or prepare an alternative. That is easier than rebuilding a published website following a dispute.
Disputes, compensation demands and applicable law require separate consideration of the circumstances. A general article does not establish the legal outcome of a particular case.
After checking the licence
Check required languages, weights and characters. A Russian-language site, for example, needs Cyrillic, numerals, the rouble sign and special symbols.
Test loading, fallbacks and line wrapping. A licence permits use but does not guarantee readability or responsive layout.
Checklist
- The official file source is identified.
- The version and licence are known.
- The required web embedding method is permitted.
- Commercial use has been checked.
- Domain and other limits are understood.
- Transfer and modification rights are clear.
- Documents are stored with the project.
- Someone owns future licence checks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any font from a free collection?
No. Check each typeface's licence, not just the collection.
Must the author be credited beside every heading?
It depends on the terms. OFL, for example, does not require that in ordinary design, while font-file distribution has separate requirements.
Getting started
List the typefaces and intended uses. We can check the terms and choose a font suited to both the design and embedding method.
