When looking for an interesting typeface/font for a new project it is worth checking out some of the font libraries available online, both free and paid for libraries are available.

However, there are a few things to watch out for when using fonts from these libraries:

• Read all the accompanying information with the font – often included in text files – Do not assume because there is no information there are no usage rights or limitations
• Identify the author of the font to ensure it is a valid typeface for use
• Be sure to check the typeface usage rights, many may be freeware, but some may be shareware, or even limited demonstration versions
• Check the fonts have all the characters you need (upper and lowercase, symbols) especially if you are working in a multi-lingual context
• Be careful not to share fonts which are licensed. They are usually licensed for use on your computer only – unless you have a multi-user license.
• Make sure the font you go for, if it is free, does not violate the copyright of another font by using too similar design features. A number of font matching services are available online you could use to check your font include What The Font
• Different countries have different laws regarding font usage and copyright so make sure you check both your own local laws and those where the font originated.

Font Libraries

Here are some useful Font libraries and font designers which are worth considering for a design project.

Dafont.com – “currently holds 9,262 fonts”

Adobe Fonts – “offers more than 2,200 typefaces”

Fonts.com – “The Fonts.com™ store from Monotype Imaging offers more than 100,000 font products for you to preview, purchase and download.”

Acid Fonts – “view and download over 5000 free fonts”

Typotheque – “a graphic design studio and a type foundry publishing and distributing original Latin and non-Latin fonts”

– “more than 10,500 high-quality fonts”

Hoefler & Frere-Jones – “develops original typefaces and licenses fonts from its library of nearly 1,000 designs”

The League Of Movable Type – “A collection of open source fonts”

Fontfabric – “Every week, a new and totally unique font will be rolled out of production, which you can easily buy or download free of charge”

MyFonts – “62,000 fonts from more than 500 foundries”

The Font Bureau – “An independent digital type foundry”

Creamundo – “Free true-type fonts. Thousands of fonts to download for free.”