CODEWITHSUNDEEP
fonts
murph
murph

Reputation: 137

Confused about web fonts

I am confused about fonts for use in websites.

I have a font that was purchased - it says it is a desktop font. I'm calling it into the css using @fontface and its working fine. The site is currently only on my localhost.

I am aware of fonts like Google fonts and have used them before but don't need to for this project.

Can I use the desktop font for the website and just load the font folder onto my server? I realize that desktop fonts are meant for use with applications like photoshop - but is there any reason I cant use it for my website using @fontface?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 68

Answers (1)

Jason
Jason

Reputation: 15335

Technically any valid font file should work with @fontface. The file (.otf, .ttf, .woff, etc...) is handled by the browser as a font file - the only significant difference between a desktop font and a web font is, in some cases, a web font will have extra optimizations made to it since it is being delivered over the web. This does not prevent a desktop font from being used, it just makes a font specifically designed for the web more efficient.

A good description of these differences can be found here: http://creativepro.com/print-vs-web-fonts-what-s-the-difference/

Regardless of the file working or not you need to review the font's licensing to know for sure if it is allowed or not. Some purchased fonts have licenses that allow for use over the web while others may not. Since you purchased the font file your best bet is to either read the license that came with the font file or contact the publisher and verify how it can and cannot be used.

Fonts are no different than any other asset (graphics, audio, video, etc...) and they should be treated the same way in regards to licensing.

Upvotes: 2

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