How to Upload Custom Fonts to Canva
TL;DR:
- Custom fonts work with Canva Pro, Teams, Education, and Nonprofit accounts only
- Upload OTF, TTF, or WOFF files through your Brand Kit
- You can add up to 500 fonts per Brand Kit
- Check font licensing before uploading – it needs to allow embedding
- Upload each font style separately (regular, bold, italic)
Adding your own fonts to Canva gives you more control over your design work and helps keep your brand consistent. Here's how to get it done properly.
What You Need Before You Start
You'll need a paid Canva account. Free accounts can't upload custom fonts. Make sure your fonts are saved as OTF, TTF, or WOFF files – these are the only formats Canva accepts.
The big thing most people miss is checking the font license. Your font needs to allow embedding, otherwise Canva won't accept it. If you bought the font from a reputable foundry, this information should be in your purchase details or license agreement.
How to Upload Your Fonts
Head to your Brand Kit in Canva. You'll find this in the main menu on the left side of your screen.
Click "Upload a font" and select your font files. If your font family has multiple weights (like regular, bold, italic), you need to upload each one separately. Canva treats each file as a different font.
You can upload up to 500 fonts per Brand Kit. That sounds like a lot, but it includes every weight and style as a separate font, so the limit can creep up on you faster than you'd think.
Finding Your Uploaded Fonts
Once your fonts are uploaded, they appear in the "Uploaded fonts" section when you're choosing fonts for text. Click on any text element, then open the font dropdown from the toolbar. Your custom fonts will be grouped together at the top of the font list.
When Things Go Wrong
If your fonts aren't showing up, it's usually one of two things. Either the font file has incorrect metadata (the technical information embedded in the file), or you're looking in the wrong Brand Kit if you have multiple ones set up.
Try re-uploading the font first. If that doesn't work, check which Brand Kit you're working in – fonts only appear in designs that use the same Brand Kit they were uploaded to.
FAQs
What file formats work with Canva?
Canva accepts OTF, TTF, and WOFF files. Make sure your font license allows embedding before you upload.
How many fonts can I upload?
You can upload up to 500 fonts per Brand Kit. Remember that each font weight (regular, bold, italic) counts as a separate font.
Why can't I see my uploaded fonts?
Check you're using the right Brand Kit, or try re-uploading the font. Sometimes metadata issues in the font file cause problems.
Can I use any font I find online?
No – you need to own the font and have a license that allows embedding. Free fonts often work, but always check the license terms.
Jargon Buster
Brand Kit – Canva's way of organizing your brand elements like logos, colors, and fonts so you can keep your designs consistent.
Font embedding – When software like Canva includes your font file in the design so it displays correctly even if others don't have that font installed.
Metadata – Technical information stored inside a font file that tells software how to use it properly.
Wrap-up
Custom fonts are one of the easiest ways to make your Canva designs look more professional and on-brand. The process is straightforward once you know the rules about file formats and licensing. Take a few minutes to organize your fonts properly when you upload them – it'll save you time later when you're working on designs.
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