How to Add New Fonts to SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS uses the fonts installed in Windows, so adding a new font to SOLIDWORKS usually means installing the font on your computer first. Once Windows recognizes the font, SOLIDWORKS can use it in notes, drawing annotations, title blocks, tables, and sketch text.

Install the font in Windows

1. Download the font file from a trusted source.
2. Close SOLIDWORKS before installing it.
3. Right-click the font file and choose Install or Install for all users.
4. Restart SOLIDWORKS.
5. Open a drawing, note, or sketch text feature and check the font list.

Most font files use TTF or OTF format. If the font installs correctly in Windows but does not appear in SOLIDWORKS, restart the computer and try again. Some company computers also restrict font installation, so administrator permission may be required.

Use fonts in drawings

In drawings, fonts are controlled by notes, dimensions, tables, balloons, and the document properties for the drawing standard. To change a note font, select the note and adjust the font settings in the PropertyManager. To set a consistent drawing style, update the document properties or the drawing template instead of changing each note manually.

If you are updating title blocks or company templates, test the new font on a copied drawing first. Confirm that the text fits inside the title block fields, prints clearly, and exports correctly to PDF.

Use fonts in sketch text

Sketch text can use installed Windows fonts. This is useful for engraving, embossing, labels, nameplates, and simple logos. After choosing the font, check the sketch carefully because decorative fonts may create many small curves or open contours. Those curves can make extrudes, cuts, and CNC exports harder to manage.

Keep shared files reliable

If another user opens the file without the same font installed, Windows may substitute a different font. That can change text spacing, title block layout, sketch text size, and PDF appearance. For shared drawing templates, use standard fonts that everyone in the company has installed, or make sure the font is distributed with the template rollout.

For manufactured text, avoid relying only on visual appearance. Check the actual sketch geometry, text height, spacing, and any drawing notes that define the engraving or marking requirement.

This matters most for files that leave your own workstation. A font that looks polished locally can create problems if a vendor, customer, or teammate opens the drawing without the same font available.

Troubleshooting missing fonts

If the font does not show in SOLIDWORKS, confirm that it appears in Windows Fonts first. Then restart SOLIDWORKS. If it still does not appear, try installing the font for all users, check whether the font file is damaged, and verify that your IT policy allows custom fonts.

When a drawing looks different after moving computers, compare the installed font list on both machines. Font substitution is a common reason notes or title block text suddenly shift after a file is opened on another workstation.