With the latest versions of iOS, Apple reimagined the way you can install and use custom fonts on your iPhone or iPad: In earlier versions of the mobile operating system you could download and use non-system fonts on your device, but the process was complex and limited.
In iOS 13 Apple has made downloading and switching fonts a more integrated experience, although even now that capacity is limited to some Apple applications such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote. Here’s how you can install third-party fonts in iOS 13.
In iOS 13 you can install custom fonts by first downloading specific font apps from the App Store and managing them in Settings. To control those sources, you must use the application in question.
Managing fonts in iOS 13
Although you can’t use all third-party fonts in yet (Adobe font was the only one that works for now), you can use the app to get information about the iOS font manager.
- At the top right of the keyboard, find the arrow pointing left and tap it to access the quick toolbar.
- Press the Aa icon to see the available formatting options.
- Click on Default font to see the font manager that contains all installed fonts. Any new fonts you download will appear in this list.
- Go to Settings> General> Fonts and you will see a list of installed fonts (if applicable) and also the prompt to download fonts from the App Store. Alternatively, you can access the App Store directly from the phone’s main screen.
- Open the App Store, look for the Search icon and type Fonts . You will see a series of categories to choose from; don’t download keyboards, only fonts from reputable providers like Font Diner.
- Click on any font file to see information about it such as copyright, file size and fonts included. You can also view letter / number, paragraph and character formats.
The free font options are extremely limited, as are the font apps that are compatible with the iOS 13 direct install scheme. We are confident that additional fonts will be available over time and in later operating systems like iOS 14, which is still on. beta. Adobe has made available many fonts that you can download from the Creative Cloud iOS app for use in Photoshop for iPad as well as Apple’s own iOS office suite. You don’t need to be a Creative Cloud subscriber to access Adobe fonts, but you must set up an account on the service. The Font Diner app also offers a list of free selections.
Don’t expect all apps to behave the same. The free installation of the Fonteer app works a bit differently than Font Diner, as does iFont, but it allows you to collect fonts from Google Fonts and Font Squirrel into collections.
To delete a font go to Settings> General> Fonts and swipe left on a font in the list or select Edit at the top right. Check the fonts you want to delete and then tap Delete .
How to use third party fonts
At this time, custom fonts are only available primarily for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote on iOS devices. The Adobe font was the only one that could be used in Apple Mail and although more applications are expected to be incorporated, the calendar remains unclear.
- To use custom fonts right now, launch any of Apple’s productivity apps on your iPhone or iPad.
- In Pages, for example, create a new document and select the Brush icon at the top to display formatting options.
- Tap on the ABC icon to reveal the available fonts.
- Scroll through the list of sources; All third-party fonts you have installed will show up here.
- Click on the font to select it and start writing or replace the text by selecting the new font.
Third-party fonts are sure to add a lot of value when editing documents on your mobile device, and although the font feature in iOS 13 is still in development, you can start using it with Apple’s free productivity apps and, in some cases, Apple Mail.