How to Install Fonts on Ubuntu

Introduction

Before we discuss how to install fonts on Ubuntu, let's first understand-What is Ubuntu ?

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Fonts are the major component that strengthens and improves the system's interface's interactiveness. Ubuntu offers a wide variety of font types to enhance the user experience.

However, there are only a few fonts offered by the system. To increase the variety of fonts and styles on the system, Ubuntu offers online support for fonts, specifically Google Fonts.

Many websites offer free fonts; some of the most well-known ones are listed below:

• Google Fonts
• Font Bundles
• Font Space
• Fonts

Users can download any font style from the sources listed above and then follow the instructions below.

In this tutorial, you will install fonts on Ubuntu. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install fonts on Ubuntu.

Advantages of Fonts

1. Aesthetic appeal: Fonts play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of text, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of styles to match the tone and mood of your content.
2. Improved readability: Different fonts are designed with legibility in mind, making it easier for readers to comprehend and engage with the text.
3. Brand identity: Unique font choices can help establish and reinforce a brand's identity, creating a distinctive visual representation that sets it apart from competitors.
4. Enhanced communication: Fonts with specific characteristics, such as boldness or elegance, can help convey emotions, emphasis, or hierarchy, aiding effective communication.
5. Creative expression: Fonts offer an avenue for creative expression, allowing designers to experiment with typography and create visually appealing and memorable designs.

Method 1: Using Font Manager

The "Font Manager" application, which controls the desktop fonts for the operating system, is the first method used to install fonts on Ubuntu. Users can use the application to import new fonts.

Step 1: Install Font Manager

Install "Font Manger" so that we can import the specific downloaded font. The subsequent command will be installed in order to accomplish this:

sudo apt install font-manager

Step 2: Download Fonts

As we download the "Robot" Google fonts website, feel free to download any font of your choice from the website:

Step 3: Extract the “.zip” File

After downloading the specific font, extract the file by selecting it with the right click:

The font styles are included in the extracted files:

Note: To install a certain font style, double-click on it and choose "Install" to add that specific font to your system.

Step 4: Launch Font Manager

Launch "Font Manager" from the application once it has been installed:

Step 5: Add the Font to the Font Manager

Click the "+" button in the top left corner of the application's interface, then select "Import" and the location of the font file:

The font file will be accessible after being imported, as shown in the image below:

Verify the Change

Let's check whether LibreOffice, which is part of Ubuntu, has access to fonts. Click on the fonts list in the application to open it, then scroll down and look for the imported font. Given that "Robot Condensed" fonts have been imported and are present in the font list:

It has been imported to use that specific font.

Method 2: Using Default Font Directory

The second method of importing the font is to copy the font file to the "/usr/local/share/fonts/" fonts directory. All the operating system's fonts are available in this directory. Let's put this method into practice:

Step 1: Download Font

As we download the "Sacramento" font, download the font of your choosing from the Google font website.

Step 2: Extract the “.zip” File

Right-clicking the font file after downloading it will allow you to extract it.

Step 3: Jump Into the Extracted Folder

Jump into the font's extracted folder using the cd command:

cd Downloads/Sacramento

Step 4: Copy the Font File

Use the command shown below to copy the font file into the /usr/local/share/fonts/ directory:

sudo cp *.ttf /usr/local/share/fonts/

There will be a copy of the font accessible for use.

Verify the Change

Open the library office and look for the relevant font from the font list to make sure it is installed in the operating system:

There is a choice for "Sacramento" on the list.

Method 3: Manually Adding Fonts Directory

By manually establishing the font directory in the operating system and pasting the font files in it, you can also install the font. Follow the instructions below to put this strategy into action.

Step 1: Download Fonts

Visit the Google Font page and save the font of your choice, such as "Gloria Hallelujah" in our case:

Step 2: Extract the “.zip” File

By right-clicking, you can extract the downloaded file:

Step 3: Open the Extracted Folder

Open the extracted folder after the file has been extracted:

Step 4: Copy the Font File

Copy the font file by using the right-click menu:

Step 5: Create Font Directory

Make a hidden "Font" Folder in the home directory using the "mkdir" command by adding a "." before its name:

mkdir .Fonts

Step 6: Paste the Copied Font File

In order to see the hidden folders and enter the "Font" folder, press "Ctrl+H" from the keyboard:

Copy the font file, then paste it into the folder.

Verify the Change

Let's check to see if the font is present in "LibreOffice":

The font list contains the specific font.

FAQs on Installing fonts on Ubuntu

Conclusion

Fonts are installed in Ubuntu either by manually creating the font directory or by adding the fonts to the default directory using the "Font-Manager" tool. To import and use a specific font, users must first obtain it from Google Fonts or another source, then use one of the methods listed above. This tutorial has shown the most effective ways to install fonts on Ubuntu.