Which Desktop Font License Do I Need?

Which Desktop Font License Do I Need?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and for good reason. It’s important to understand what is covered under each license tier so you can choose the right license for your project.

If you're planning to use a font in designs that will be printed, published or turned into products, you'll need a desktop license. But not all desktop licenses are the same. Ultimately, the license you’ll need depends on how many instances or end products you create using the font.

What counts as an “instance”?

An instance means each individual asset, item or unit the font appears on. This could be a single social media post, clothing label, book cover, PDF, billboard or product package. Every version or print run counts.

For example, if you design 200,000 t-shirts and 100,000 posters using the font, that’s 300,000 instances in total (and would require a Commercial Desktop License).

License tiers

Can I upgrade my license later?

Yes. If your project grows or your print run increases, you can upgrade by paying the difference between your current license and the next tier. There’s no need to repurchase. Just get in touch to arrange an upgrade.

Font licensing can feel tricky at first, however knowing your usage, instances and which tier you fall into makes it much easier to know which license is right for you. If you’re still unsure or your project is a little different, just get in touch .