To learn how to upload font to Canva, open the Brand Kit (Brand Hub) in your account, go to Fonts, click Upload a font, and pick a TTF, OTF, or WOFF file from your computer. The catch is that custom font uploads are a paid feature, so you generally need Canva Pro, Canva Teams, or a similar paid plan. Below are the exact steps, what to check first, and what to do if you are on the free plan.
What you need before you upload a font to Canva
- A paid plan. Uploading your own fonts is part of Canva’s Brand Kit features, which have been offered with Canva Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans. Canva adjusts plans and names from time to time, so confirm on Canva’s pricing page if you are unsure.
- A font file in a supported format. Canva accepts TTF (TrueType), OTF (OpenType), and WOFF files.
- The right to use the font. The license must allow it. More on that below.
- Admin rights on a team. On Teams plans, brand managers or admins may be the only people allowed to add fonts to a shared Brand Kit.
| Format | Accepted by Canva? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TTF | Yes | Most common format on free and paid downloads |
| OTF | Yes | Supports extra OpenType features |
| WOFF | Yes | Web font format, accepted for upload |
| ZIP | No | Unzip first, then upload the font file inside |
How to upload font to Canva, step by step
- Download the font and unzip the folder if it arrived as a ZIP. You are looking for files ending in .ttf, .otf, or .woff.
- Log in to Canva on a computer. The upload flow is easiest on the desktop site.
- From the home page, open Brand (called Brand Hub or Brand Kit, depending on your version) from the left menu or your profile area.
- Select your brand kit, then open the Fonts section.
- Click Upload a font (or the plus button) and choose your file. Confirm that you have the license to use it.
- Wait for the upload to finish. Your font now appears in the list and in the font dropdown inside any design.
If you do not see the upload option, you are probably on a free plan or lack permission on a team account. Menu labels shift as Canva updates its interface, so look for the closest equivalent to Brand and Fonts.
Using the font in a design
- Open any design and click a text box.
- Open the font dropdown in the top toolbar.
- Scroll to your brand kit or uploaded fonts section and select the font.
If you uploaded several weights, such as regular, bold, and italic, upload each file. Canva groups them into a family so the bold and italic buttons work properly. Missing style files are the usual reason bold looks fake.
Licensing: the part people skip
Canva’s rules require that you have the right to use any font you upload, and it is your responsibility to check. A font that is free to download is not always free for commercial work such as selling printed designs, merch, or client logos. Look for a license file in the download, or read the terms on the page where you got it. If a font is personal use only, you need to buy a commercial license before using it in a business project.
For safe sources, browse free fonts and read the license notes, or choose commercial fonts when you need clear business rights. If you are not sure what a font is called in the first place, our guide to finding a font from an image can help you track it down.
Troubleshooting common problems
Using fonts in email instead? See how to change default font in Outlook.
- Upload failed or unsupported file. Check the extension. Zipped folders and other formats are rejected. Re-download the font from the source.
- Font looks different than expected. Some fonts have multiple styles; upload each one, or choose a different weight.
- Missing characters. Some fonts lack accents, symbols, or numbers. Test your exact text in a preview before uploading.
- Team members cannot see it. Make sure the font was added to the shared brand kit and that they have the correct role.
- Font not appearing on mobile. Uploaded fonts are meant to sync with your account. Refresh the app or sign in again if they are slow to show up.
No Canva Pro? Your options
On a free plan, you cannot upload fonts, but you still have choices:
- Use Canva’s built-in library, which is large and includes decorative, script, and display choices.
- Create the text elsewhere, such as in a design program where you can install fonts, and export it as a PNG with a transparent background to upload as an image. The text will not be editable in Canva, though.
- Find a similar built-in font. Try browsing calligraphy fonts, headline fonts, or retro fonts to identify the style you want, then look for the closest match in Canva’s own list.
- Start a free trial of a paid plan if you only need it for a short project. Check the current trial terms first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a font to Canva for free?
Not usually. Custom font uploads are part of Canva’s paid Brand Kit features, such as Canva Pro and Teams. Free accounts can use Canva’s built-in fonts instead.
What font file types does Canva accept?
Canva accepts TTF, OTF, and WOFF files. If your font is in a ZIP folder, unzip it first and upload the font file inside.
How do I upload a font to Canva on my phone?
The upload itself is best done from a computer through the Brand Kit. After that, your fonts should appear in your designs in the mobile app once you are signed in to the same account.
Do I need a license to upload fonts to Canva?
Yes. You must have the legal right to use any font you upload. Free downloads may be limited to personal use, so check the license before using one in commercial work.
Why can’t I see the Upload a font button?
You may be on a free plan, or you may not have permission on a team. Ask your team admin, or check that you are in the correct brand kit on the desktop site.
