How to Install New Font on CrossOver Mac [Updated Method]

Key Takeaways
  • CrossOver Mac enables running Windows applications on a Mac without a separate Windows license. Installing new fonts can help match the specific aesthetic or functional needs of your projects.
  • To install new fonts, download and unzip the font files, preferably in .ttf or .otf formats. Install these fonts to your Mac, and they'll become available in CrossOver Mac applications.
  • Ensure fonts are compatible with Windows applications and are installed in the correct bottle. If issues arise, consider restarting the bottle or checking file permissions.

Installing new fonts on CrossOver Mac can be exciting and important, especially for those who use unique typography in their work, like designers and writers. CrossOver lets you run Windows apps on a Mac without needing a Windows license.

While it has its own fonts, sometimes you might need a particular font that’s not already there. This guide is here to help, whether you’re familiar with CrossOver or just getting started. We will show you what CrossOver Mac is, why adding new fonts is important, and how to install them.

We’ll cover where to safely get new font files and share some tips for fixing common issues. This way, you can make your apps look just the way you want, enhancing your creative work.

What is CrossOver Mac, and why do you need to install fonts?

What is CrossOver Mac and why do you need to install fonts?

CrossOver Mac, created by CodeWeavers, is a special program that helps you use many Windows applications on your Mac computer. You don’t need a separate Windows license or a different partition on your computer to run these apps.

It comes with its own Windows-like fonts and tools so that apps work smoothly right from the start. However, the variety of fonts in CrossOver is not as vast as what you get on macOS and Windows.

Sometimes, you might need a very specific font for your project that CrossOver doesn’t have. Here’s why adding new fonts can be helpful:

  • You can use unique fonts that aren’t already in CrossOver for special design work.
  • It helps keep the look of your documents consistent across different platforms.
  • Certain Windows apps need specific fonts to show everything correctly.
  • It lets you make CrossOver on your Mac feel more personalized and suited to your style.

READ MORE: How To Play Windows Games on Mac – Detailed Guide ➜

How to install a font on CrossOver Mac?

How to install a font on CrossOver Mac?

Let’s get to the main part – installing a new font into CrossOver Mac. We’ve made each step easy to understand so you can add special fonts to your creative work without hassle.

Step 1: Find and Download a Font

First, look for and download the font you want to use. There are many websites where you can find free and paid fonts. Ensure the font file works with Windows apps, usually in .ttf or .otf format.

Step 2: Unzip the Font File

Locate the downloaded file, which is usually in a .zip format. Double-click on it to extract its contents. This will reveal the actual font files.

Locate the download file in your download folder

Step 3: Install the Font

  1. In the extracted folder, look for the file that ends with .otf. This is the font file. Double-click on it, and a preview window will open.
    Double click on the font file with .otf extension
    Double click on the font file with .otf extension
  2. You’ll see an “Install” button in the font preview window. Click on it to add the font to your Mac’s font library.
    4. Click on the Install option to install the font
    Click on the Install option to install the font

Step 4: Font Availability Across Applications

After installation, this font will be available in all applications on your Mac, including those running in CrossOver. To confirm, you can open CrossOver and check it any bottle on any app. We created a new bottle named “Font Test” just for this.

Now open the crossover and you can see it in the app itself in the font section

Step 5: Check and Use the Font in CrossOver Applications

  1. Open any application inside CrossOver Mac. In our case, we opened LibreOffice Writer through CrossOver. Go to the fonts list in the application – this is usually found in the toolbar or under the formatting settings. Look for the newly installed font in the list.
    Test the font in any crossover application. In this case I have LibreOffice Writer
    Search the font in the font’s list
  2. Select the new font from the list and start typing in your document. You’ll see your text displayed in the font you just installed.
    Font is installed and ready to be used
    Font is installed and ready to be used

Downloading font files from trusted sources

Downloading font files from trusted sources

Before you install fonts, you need the font files. Here are some trusted sources to download quality fonts:

  • Adobe Fonts: Adobe has thousands of free and paid fonts. You have to sign up for a free Adobe account to download them.
  • Google Fonts: This is a big collection of free, open-source fonts. They are easy to download and good for commercial use.
  • MyFonts: This is a well-known place to buy fonts from professional designers. While not free, the selection is high-quality.
  • Font Share: Here, users share fonts. Check the licenses to see if they are completely free to use.

After downloading font files, check they are in .ttf (TrueType Font) or .otf (OpenType Font) format. These formats work best with CrossOver and most of the other software.

READ MORE: How to Install Fonts on macOS ➜

Common issues and troubleshooting tips

Common issues and troubleshooting tips

Here are some common problems and their solutions to help you when working with fonts in CrossOver Mac.

  • Make sure the font works with Windows apps. Some fonts might not be compatible with Windows.
  • Look at the font file type. Windows usually needs fonts in .ttf or .otf format.
  • Install the font in the right bottle. Fonts added to one bottle won’t show up in others.
  • If you have trouble copying the font, check the security settings on your Mac.

READ MORE: What is FileVault in macOS & Should You Actually Use It? ➜

Final thoughts

Installing a font on CrossOver Mac can enhance your creative possibilities. Whether you’re a designer, writer, or anyone needing specific formatting, this guide has shown you the straightforward steps to add new fonts. We’ve covered everything from choosing trusted sources for downloading fonts to troubleshooting common issues.

Remember, the key is to ensure compatibility and correct file formats and to install fonts in the appropriate bottle. With these tips, your CrossOver experience on Mac will be more personalized and efficient.

FAQs

Why aren’t my newly installed fonts showing up in CrossOver?

If the fonts you recently installed are not appearing in CrossOver, several potential causes exist to consider. First, try restarting the specific CrossOver bottle and the Windows application. This action can refresh the system and often resolves such issues. Additionally, ensure that the installed font is compatible with Windows applications, as not all fonts may be. It’s also crucial to check that the font is installed in the correct CrossOver bottle since each bottle operates as a separate, isolated environment.

How do I add fonts to my Mac graphics?

To use new fonts in your Mac’s graphics, first install the font on your Mac. Once it’s installed, you can use it in graphic design programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even free software like GIMP. Pick the text tool in your program and look for your new font in the list.

Can I share a bottle with custom fonts across multiple Macs?

You can share a CrossOver bottle with your own fonts on several Macs. Just copy the whole bottle folder. Ensure that CrossOver is on the other Macs and that you can use the fonts on multiple devices.

How do I update or remove fonts from CrossOver?

To update or delete fonts in CrossOver, find the Fonts folder in the CrossOver bottle where your fonts are. If you’re updating, replace the old font file with the new one in this folder. To remove a font, just delete its file from the folder. After making these changes, restart the app so CrossOver knows about your updates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Khalid Ali


Khalid is a versatile analyst honing his expertise for the past 5 years. With certifications from Google and IBM to back him up, his knowledge extends far beyond the routine coverage of the latest trends and in the industry.