Adobe Photoshop CS5 does not have its own font library; it uses the fonts installed on your computer. So adding a font to Photoshop CS5 means installing it in Windows or macOS and then restarting Photoshop. This guide covers how to install fonts on both systems, how to get them to appear in Photoshop, and fixes for fonts that do not show up. The same steps work for newer Photoshop versions, which also support Adobe Fonts.
Quick Answer
Download the font (.ttf or .otf) and unzip it. On Windows, right-click the font file and choose Install for all users. On a Mac, double-click it and click Install in Font Book. Then close Photoshop completely and reopen it. The font appears in the Character panel and the Type tool's font list.
Step 1: Get the Font
- Download fonts from reputable sources and check the license, especially for commercial projects.
- Unzip the download (right-click > Extract All on Windows, or double-click on Mac).
- Look for .otf (OpenType) or .ttf (TrueType) files. Photoshop CS5 supports both, as well as older Type 1 fonts.
Step 2: Install the Font
Windows
- Right-click the font file.
- Choose Install for all users (recommended) or Install. On Windows 11, you may need Show more options first.
Installing for all users places the font in C:\Windows\Fonts, which older programs like Photoshop CS5 are more likely to detect. Fonts installed only for your account may not appear in some older applications.
You can also drag font files into Settings > Personalization > Fonts.
Mac
- Double-click the font file.
- Click Install in the preview window. Font Book opens and validates it.
Step 3: Restart Photoshop
Photoshop builds its font list when it starts. Save your work, quit Photoshop completely, and reopen it. Then select the Type tool (T) and open the font menu in the options bar or the Character panel (Window > Character).
Find Your Font Quickly
- Type the font name in the font field instead of scrolling.
- Remember that some fonts are listed under the family name, with styles like Bold and Italic in the second menu.
Newer Photoshop Versions: Adobe Fonts
Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) versions can activate fonts from Adobe Fonts without installing files manually. In Creative Cloud, browse Adobe Fonts, click Activate, and the font appears in Photoshop. This service is not available in Photoshop CS5, which is no longer supported by Adobe.
Troubleshooting
The font does not appear in Photoshop
- Close and reopen Photoshop; restarting the computer can also help.
- On Windows, reinstall the font with Install for all users.
- Make sure the file is not damaged; download it again from the original source.
Photoshop is slow or crashes on the font menu
Too many installed fonts or a damaged font can cause problems. Remove recently added fonts and, in newer versions, clear Photoshop's font cache (consult Adobe's help for your version).
Missing font warning when opening a PSD
The file uses a font you do not have. Install the font, or choose a replacement when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I put fonts for Photoshop?
Install them in the operating system. Photoshop does not need a special font folder.
Can I use web fonts in Photoshop?
Only if you download the desktop font files (.otf or .ttf) and install them.
Do I need to restart my computer?
Usually just restarting Photoshop is enough.
Summary
- Download and unzip the font.
- Install it: Install for all users on Windows, Install in Font Book on Mac.
- Restart Photoshop.
- Select the font with the Type tool or Character panel.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.