How To Add Fonts In Fedora Linux

Adding new fonts to Fedora Linux is easy once you know where to put them. Whether you’re designing, coding, or just want a fresh look, custom fonts can make your desktop more personal and productive. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Download Your Font

First, grab the font you want. Most fonts come in .ttf (TrueType) or .otf (OpenType) format. Reliable sources include Google Fonts and Font Squirrel.

2. Install Fonts for One User (Recommended)

This is the safest route and won’t affect anyone else using your computer.

1. Create a .fonts folder in your home directory if it doesn’t exist:
   mkdir -p ~/.fonts
2. Move or copy your font files into this folder:
   cp ~/Downloads/YourFont.ttf ~/.fonts/
3. Update the font cache:
   fc-cache -f -v

That’s it. Your fonts are now available in apps like LibreOffice, GIMP, and most text editors.

3. Install Fonts System-Wide

If you want everyone on the computer to have access to the fonts, install them system-wide:

1. Copy your fonts to the system fonts directory:
   sudo cp ~/Downloads/YourFont.ttf /usr/share/fonts/
   • For organization, you can create a new folder, like /usr/share/fonts/myfonts/.
2. Update the system font cache:
   sudo fc-cache -f -v

Note: You’ll need admin rights for this.

4. Installing Microsoft Fonts (Optional)

If you need fonts like Arial or Times New Roman for compatibility:

1. Enable the RPM Fusion repository if you haven’t already:
   sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
2. Install the Microsoft Core Fonts package:
   sudo dnf install cabextract
sudo dnf install msttcore-fonts-installer

5. Verifying Your Fonts

Open any program that lets you change fonts—LibreOffice Writer is a good choice. Your new fonts should show up in the list.

6. Troubleshooting

• Fonts not showing up? Double-check the folder paths and run fc-cache again.
• Wrong permissions? Make sure font files have the right read permissions.
• File format? Stick to .ttf or .otf for best compatibility.

Quick Recap

• Place fonts in ~/.fonts for just your user, or /usr/share/fonts/ for everyone.
• Run fc-cache -f -v to update the system.
• Use trustworthy sources for downloading fonts.

Adding fonts in Fedora is quick and flexible. Now you can customize your workspace exactly how you want.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!