There are times when we want to use a font only to find that it isn’t appearing in the font list. Or sometimes we receive a file from an outside source but get this missing font warning when opening the file.
Installing the font you want or that is used in a particular file is a fairly simple process. This article will show you how to install fonts in SolidWorks. Since SolidWorks uses fonts from the System’s library, you need to add the font in the system itself rather than in SolidWorks.
Before you install any font, you should know that SolidWorks does not work with all font types.
There are two different types of fonts: True Type Font and Open Type Font.
SolidWorks primarily only works with True Type Fonts. These font files will have the extension ‘.TTF’. This type of font works in parts, assemblies, and drawing files.
The Open Font Type extension is ‘.OTF’. Some of these fonts can be used in part and assembly files, but not in drawings.
Now that we know what type of font we need, let’s start the process:
- Once you have found the font you would like to use, download the file on your computer.
- After downloading is complete, if it’s an archive, the file will need to be extracted (unzipped) to have access to the ‘.TTF’ file. Use WinRar or 7-Zip or whichever software you normally use to extract.
- To install the font, double-click the ‘.TTF’ file to open it, and there you will see the preview of the font along with the option to install or print it. We want to use the font in our software so click on Install.
When the font is installed, it will now appear in your Windows fonts. To get there go to the Windows Control Panel (Start > Control Panel), and there will be a Font option in the Appearance and Personalization tab. The new font will appear there. You should now be able to use the font in SolidWorks.
Tip: If you are unable to see the font inside SolidWorks, the font file may be “hidden” in the Fonts folder. This can be checked by going to the folder (Control Panel > Fonts). If the font is “hidden” the icon will appear lighter as compared to others. To unhide it, right-click on the file, and select Show.
Tip: When you are sending someone a part, assembly, or drawing file with a unique font, it is likely that they will not have the font installed on their computer. If this is the case, they will get the missing font warning message as seen above. To avoid this issue, make sure to send the font file with your documents.
