Fonts and Your Website: What You Need to Know About Font Licences
When you are creating a new website or working on your brand, choosing fonts can feel like one of the most creative and enjoyable parts of the process. Fonts help express your business’s personality and can completely change the look and feel of your brand. But there is one important detail that is often overlooked, and that is font licensing.
What is a font licence?
Font licensing simply means making sure you have permission to use a font for a specific purpose. It is a little like using photos or music in your marketing. Some fonts are completely free to use for anything, while others have rules. You might find a font that is free for personal use only, or one that is free for online use but not in printed materials or logos. Then there are fonts that require payment if you are using them for business purposes. Each font comes with its own licence, which explains exactly what you can and cannot do with it.
Reputable font websites
To make things easier and safer, it is best to download fonts from reputable websites. These sites make it clear how each font can be used and whether it is suitable for business. Some good options include Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts, Fontspring, Creative Market and MyFonts. These sites clearly outline licensing information, which helps you make informed decisions and avoid any issues down the track. Sometimes, font-sharing websites can label a font as free even when it is not meant to be used for commercial projects, so sticking with well-known sources is a good habit.
Do I need a licence for Canva fonts?
If you are using Canva to create marketing materials, social posts or even logos, font licensing still matters. Canva offers a mix of free and Pro fonts. The Pro fonts typically have broader licensing, but even then, it is worth checking Canva’s content licence agreement to see what is covered, especially for something like a logo or product packaging. If you upload your own font to Canva, you are responsible for having the correct licence for that font. It is a simple step that protects your business and your brand in the long run.
The idea of licensing might sound a little technical at first, but it is just another part of running your business responsibly. Just like you would not want to use a copyrighted image without permission, the same goes for fonts. If you are working with a designer, they should always make sure the fonts used in your website or branding are properly licensed. And if you are creating designs yourself, being aware of this is a great way to protect the brand you are building.
Make informed choices
Fonts usually come with a licence. Use trusted websites to find your fonts. Double check how fonts in Canva can be used, especially for logos or commercial materials. If you are ever unsure, just ask. It is much easier to check before using something than to deal with problems later on.
If you have questions about fonts or you are unsure what is safe to use for your website or branding, I am always happy to help. Making informed choices about fonts is just another way to keep your brand clear, consistent and confident.