Procreate Compatible Font File Formats: Supported Types and How to Install

If you've ever tried to install a font in Procreate only to see it fail or show up broken, the problem usually isn't the app it's the file format. Knowing which Procreate compatible font file formats work (and which ones don't) saves you time, frustration, and the headache of troubleshooting files that were never going to load in the first place. This guide breaks down exactly what file types Procreate accepts, how to tell what you have, and what to do when your font won't install.

What font file formats does Procreate actually support?

Procreate works with two font file formats: .TTF (TrueType Font) and .OTF (OpenType Font). These are the two industry-standard desktop font formats that have been around for decades. When you download a font from a reputable source, it will almost always come in one or both of these formats.

TTF files are the older format, originally developed by Apple and Microsoft in the late 1980s. They work perfectly fine in Procreate and are widely available. OTF files are the newer format, built on TrueType but with added features like support for more characters, ligatures, and advanced typographic options. Both load into Procreate without issues.

If you're shopping for fonts and want something with extra stylistic options, look for OTF files specifically they often include alternate characters and ligatures that TTF versions of the same font don't. For example, a script font like Brusher may come with swashes and alternates only available in the OTF version.

Which font file formats does Procreate NOT support?

Procreate does not support the following formats:

.WOFF and .WOFF2 These are web font formats designed for browsers. They won't load in Procreate or any other iPad app that handles desktop-style fonts.
.SVG fonts Some newer color fonts use the SVG format. Procreate has limited support here; while some SVG-based fonts may partially load, you can't rely on them to work correctly.
.DFont The older Mac-only format isn't supported by Procreate on iPadOS.
.EOT Another web-only format from Microsoft. Not relevant for Procreate.
Variable fonts (.ttf or .otf with variable axes) Procreate does not support variable font technology, so if you download a variable font file, you may only see one static weight or style, or it may not load at all.

If you've downloaded a font and it has a .WOFF extension, that's almost certainly why it won't install. You'll need to find the TTF or OTF version of that same font instead.

How can I check what font file format I have?

The quickest way is to look at the file extension in the name. After downloading and unzipping the font file, check the three-letter extension at the end of the filename:

.ttf = TrueType Font works in Procreate
.otf = OpenType Font works in Procreate
.woff = Web Open Font Format does not work
.woff2 = Web Open Font Format 2 does not work
.svg = SVG Font unreliable in Procreate

If you're on an iPad and can't see file extensions, long-press the file in the Files app and choose "Get Info." The file type will show up in the details. If you need help with the full installation process once you've confirmed the format, our step-by-step Procreate font installation guide walks you through it.

Where do I find fonts in the right format for Procreate?

Most font marketplaces clearly label whether a download includes TTF, OTF, or both. Sites like Creative Fabrica, Google Fonts, Font Squirrel, and DaFont all provide TTF or OTF files. When you're on a font listing page, scroll down to the file details section it will tell you exactly what formats are included.

A few things to watch for:

Some free font sites bundle WOFF files alongside TTF/OTF. You can ignore the WOFF files just grab the TTF or OTF ones.
Fonts from Envato Elements, Creative Market, and similar platforms almost always include both TTF and OTF.
Google Fonts only offers TTF files, which work fine in Procreate.
Some fonts come as .ZIP files that contain multiple formats. You'll need to unzip them on your iPad before importing into Procreate.

Can I convert a WOFF font to TTF or OTF for Procreate?

Technically, yes. There are free online converters like Transfonter or CloudConvert that can take a .WOFF file and convert it to .TTF or .OTF. However, there are a couple of important caveats:

Check the license first. Some fonts are licensed specifically for web use only when distributed as WOFF. Converting and using them in a desktop or illustration app may violate the license terms.
Quality can vary. Conversion isn't always perfect. You might lose hinting data (which affects how the font renders at small sizes) or some advanced OpenType features.

If you need a specific font and can only find a WOFF version, it's usually better to search for the TTF/OTF version directly rather than converting. Most fonts are available in desktop formats from their original source or foundry.

Why does my TTF or OTF font still fail to load in Procreate?

If you have a confirmed .TTF or .OTF file and it still won't install, the problem is likely one of these:

The file is corrupted. This happens when a download didn't complete properly or the ZIP file wasn't fully extracted. Try re-downloading and re-extracting the font.
The file is actually a ZIP folder renamed to .TTF. Some download managers do this. Check the file size if a single font is over 10MB as a .TTF, it's probably a compressed archive.
iPadOS font cache issue. Restart Procreate after installing the font. Sometimes the app doesn't pick up new fonts until it relaunches. You can also check our beginner's font installation guide for troubleshooting steps.
The font uses features Procreate doesn't support. Rare, but some very complex OTF files with extensive OpenType features may behave oddly. This doesn't mean they won't load just that some features (like contextual alternates) may not activate in the Procreate text tool.

What about fonts with multiple files and styles?

Many fonts come as families Bold, Italic, Light, Medium, and so on. Each style is a separate .TTF or .OTF file, and you need to install each one individually in Procreate. A font family with six styles means six separate installations.

This also applies to decorative and script fonts that include bonus files like swashes, ornaments, or dingbats. Each file is a standalone font that needs its own import. If you download a pack like Blacksword, you might find multiple weight variants each one installs separately.

Practical format comparison

Here's a quick side-by-side to keep in mind:

.OTF Best option for Procreate. Supports ligatures, alternates, and extended character sets. Choose this when both formats are available.
.TTF Fully compatible. Widely available and works without issues. Great for everyday use.
.WOFF/.WOFF2 Web only. Won't work in Procreate. Don't waste time trying.
.SVG Color fonts. Limited or no support in Procreate.

Do I need to unzip fonts before importing to Procreate?

Yes. Procreate can't open .ZIP files directly. If you download a font and it ends in .ZIP, you need to extract it first. On iPadOS, you can do this in the Files app by simply tapping the .ZIP file iPadOS will automatically create an unzipped folder next to it. Then you can import the .TTF or .OTF file from inside that folder.

If you're unsure about any part of this process, this resource on font file formats and installation covers the full workflow from download to use in your canvas.

Quick checklist before installing any font in Procreate

Confirm the file extension is .TTF or .OTF not .WOFF, .WOFF2, or .SVG
Make sure the file is unzipped and not still inside a .ZIP archive
Check the font license allows use in illustration/design software
If downloading a font family, install each style (Bold, Italic, etc.) individually
If a font fails to load, re-download the file before assuming it's a Procreate bug
Choose .OTF over .TTF when both are available you'll get more typographic features
Restart Procreate after installing new fonts so they appear in the font list

Start by checking the fonts you already have. Open your downloads folder, look at those file extensions, and make sure every font you want to use is in TTF or OTF format. If any are in the wrong format, replace them with the correct version before your next project. Explore Design