License Fonts Properly
Every font license specifies permitted uses. Web, desktop, and app-embedded use often require separate licenses. Never use pirated fonts or files converted from a desktop-only license.
Incorrect (desktop font converted and self-hosted without a web license):
@font-face {
font-family: 'Gotham';
/* .otf from a designer's machine run through a converter;
the desktop license does not cover web embedding */
src: url('/fonts/gotham-converted.woff2') format('woff2');
}Correct (licensed source, terms documented in code):
@font-face {
font-family: 'Inter';
/* SIL OFL 1.1: web use and self-hosting permitted.
License: /fonts/LICENSE-Inter.txt */
src: url('/fonts/Inter-Variable.woff2') format('woff2');
}Checklist:
- Verify the license covers web use (self-hosted or CDN)
- Check pageview limits on commercial web font licenses
- Confirm embedding rights for apps or PDFs
- Ensure the license covers the number of domains/projects
- Keep license documentation accessible to the team
Open-source: Google Fonts (SIL OFL), Adobe Fonts (with Creative Cloud), Font Squirrel, fonts.bunny.net. Commercial foundries: Hoefler&Co, Commercial Type, Klim, Grilli Type, Dinamo, Colophon. On a limited budget, start open-source and upgrade as the brand matures.