Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing

  • What is a font license?

    A font license is a contract between you and Workhorse Type Foundry. Although you do not own the font itself, a font license gives you the right to use the purchased font in the ways specified in the license. The font license details the terms and conditions of use.

    The purchase of a font license allows you ongoing use of the font, according to the terms detailed in the license you purchased. The license has no expiration and only requires a one time fee at purchase; however, if your use of the font increases you will need to upgrade your license.

    WTF offers font licenses for desktop, web and app. Please view the WTF font licensing page for information about all available font licenses. If the available licenses do not seem to fit your need, please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com.

    Please read and understand the applicable font license before completing your purchase.

  • Which font license is right for me?

    You can review the available licenses on the WTF font licensing page. It provides an overview of the most common uses of the fonts and which license best supports each case.

    WTF offers font licenses for desktop, web and app. If the available licenses do not seem to fit your need, please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com.

  • Where do I find the font licensing agreements on the WTF website?

    Information about all font licenses (including desktop, web, app and test licenses) is available on the WTF font licensing page. You can find the font licensing page from the site Menu.

  • Can I license an individual font style?

    All WTF fonts are available for individual purchase or for purchase as a whole font family. Purchasing the whole font family will be cheaper than purchasing each individual style. The cart will show you the price for each purchase option.

    Fonts being licensed for fewer than 50 computers, 2,000,000 page views, 100,000 downloads or 100,000 active monthly users must be purchased as entire packages.

  • Do you offer any licensing options other than those listed on the WTF website?

    If your need is not listed on the WTF font licensing page, please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com to discuss your specific circumstances.

  • Who should purchase the font license if there is a parent company with several subsidiaries?

    The license should be purchased by the parent company. The license can then be shared across the parent company’s subsidiaries. The parent company is responsible to ensure all subsidiaries comply with the purchased license agreement. The font license must cover the following for all subsidiaries:

    • Desktop fonts—the number of computers one which the fonts will be installed

    • Web fonts—the number of monthly page views for all websites

    • App fonts—the number of MAUs or downloads for all apps

    As the parent company or subsidiaries grow, the license will need to be updated to cover the needed desktop, web, and app fonts. Please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com with any questions.

  • Who should buy the font—me, my client, or both?

    Fonts are software. Whoever is going to use the software needs to buy a license for it. If your client is going to use the fonts on their desktop, website or app (unless, for example, you host their website for them), they also need a license.

  • Can I share WTF fonts with my client or contractors?

    No. As detailed in our font licenses, you cannot pass on font files to any third party. This includes clients, contractors, freelancers, advertising agencies, and any other suppliers. Fonts are software, and anyone who uses the font needs to purchase a separate license.

  • What is a EULA?

    EULA stands for End-User License Agreement. When you purchase a font what you’re really purchasing is a license to use the font software in the ways specified in the license. The EULA is a contract between you and Workhorse Type Foundry.

  • On how many computers and printers can I use a font?

    Fonts are software, and like all software they are licensed for a certain number of computers. You can purchase a license for one computer or more, depending on your needs. Computers on which fonts are stored and on which they are operational need a license. This means you do not need to purchase a license for every computer on your network—only the computers that use or store the font. To be clear, if the font files are stored on the hard drive or if you can find the fonts in the menu available for use then you need a license.

  • How do I license fonts to use on a font server?

    Count the total number of computers on which the fonts will be used and add one for the server itself. This does not mean the number of computers that will use the font at the same time, but the total number of computers on which the font will be operated. For example, if you purchase a license for ten computers, it would cover the server plus nine computers able to activate the fonts, not the server plus up to nine users at once.

  • What is involved in using a font to make a logo?

    If you convert the logo to outlines in a drawing program then you can give it to your client without them needing to purchase a license. If, however, your client needs to install and use the font themselves then they will need to purchase their own license.

    You are permitted to modify some font characters to create a logo. You must first purchase a desktop font license for the font. Then you may convert the needed characters to outlines and modify them for your logo. You may not modify the full font file. Be sure to comply with all aspects of the desktop font license.

  • Can I use WTF fonts to make PDFs?

    Yes. Creation of non-commercial documents is covered by your EULA.

  • Can I give fonts to my printer?

    You will almost always send jobs to printers, service bureaus or other publishing systems as PDFs, PostScript job files, or EPS files flattened to outlines. This guarantees the accuracy of the print job, and since fonts are software, you won’t need to share software, which is illegal.

  • Can I license WTF fonts for use in broadcast?

    There is a broadcast license available for the following purposes. Please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com for more information as the broadcast license is not available to purchase on workhorsetypefoundry.com.

    • A TV show or series, a film or movie, or another broadcast

    • Your broadcasting network

    • Advertising campaigns that are paid advertising for online, social media, or TV networks (promotional videos/films/commercials).

  • How can I use fonts in a way not covered by one of your licenses?

    If your project is not covered by any of our licenses, please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com.

Licensing — Desktop

  • What will I receive when I buy a desktop font license?

    After successful payment you will receive an immediate download with the appropriate desktop font files in a .zip folder. Desktop fonts are delivered in .otf and .ttf (and .ttf variable files when applicable) format.

    You can access your download anytime in your emailed receipt or by logging in to your WTF account.

  • What if I want to use the desktop fonts on a number of computers that’s not specified on the WTF website?

    The prices are set for ranges of computers so purchase the license that covers the amount of computers you need. So if you need the font to be used on 6 computers you would purchase the “up to 7 computers” font license.

  • Do the computers on which I install the desktop fonts need to be in the same physical place?

    No. All the computers (including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, etc.) must be owned by you, but they do not need to be in the same physical location.

  • If I have purchased a desktop font license can I use the fonts on the web or do I need a separate license?

    You cannot use desktop fonts on the web. You will need to buy a web font license to use on the web. Purchasing the web font license will provide you with the correct font file formats for use on the web. Desktop fonts can only be used online within static images such as .jpg or .png.

  • Can I use your fonts on my iPad?

    No, WTF fonts cannot be installed on iPads. Apple allows installation of third-party fonts through specially developed apps; however, WTF does not currently have such an app.

Licensing — Web

  • What will I receive when I buy a web font license?

    After successful payment you will receive an immediate download with the appropriate web font files in a .zip folder. Web fonts are provided in .woff and .woff2 (and .woff variable files when applicable) format.

    You can access your download anytime in your emailed receipt or by logging in to your WTF account.

  • How do I calculate page views?

    Font licensing is based on your average number of monthly page views. A page view is every time a visitor to your site views a page on your website. One way to calculate the average monthly page views for your website, calculate the average number of page views over three consecutive months. (Add the totals of each month together then divide the total by three.) You can also simply review whatever website traffic analysis tools you currently use.

  • What if I want to use the web fonts on a website that receives fewer views than the minimum web font license number?

    The minimum web font license is “20,000 page views.” This means that any number of page views less than 20,000 fits within this price bracket.

    If your page views increase you can upgrade your font license to cover the higher number of page views. See Upgrades.

  • What if I want to use the web fonts on a website that receives a number of page views not specified on your website?

    The price brackets for page views are fixed ranges. Purchase a web font license for the number of page views you need that fits within the appropriate range. Please review the terms of each license to ensure you stay within the page views of the purchased license bracket. You are responsible to ensure you stay within the page views bracket for which you paid. If you still feel your number of page views does not fit in one of our licenses, please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com to find a solution.

  • Can I use the web fonts on my draft staging site?

    You can use the web fonts in your development site as long as you comply with all sections of the web font license.

  • If I have purchased a web font license can I use the fonts on desktop computers or do I need a different license?

    Per the web font license agreement, you cannot use web fonts on your desktop computer. You will need to buy a desktop font license to use on your desktop. Purchasing the desktop font license will provide you with the correct font file formats as web font files will not work on a desktop.

  • Can I provide the web fonts to a developer?

    You may provide web fonts to your developer so he/she may style text on your website, but you must both comply with the web font license agreement. (See one section below.) The developer must delete all font files from their devices and email once the work on the website is finished.

  • Why do the desktop fonts look different from the web fonts?

    Desktop and web fonts may look different across various screens. Operating systems, desktop apps and internet browsers often use different font rendering engines and techniques. This is not the fault of the font itself.

    If you download the test fonts before purchasing any licenses you can check that the fonts work how you expect across various screens and programs.

  • What kind of font license do I need if I want to use the fonts within online advertising (such as web banners)?

    Depending on how you will use the fonts you will need different licenses.

    If you want to use fonts as a static image you can do so with a desktop font license. For example, if you convert the fonts to a .jpg image you can use them in a web banner.

    If you want to use the fonts dynamically within web banners or in similar types of web-based advertising you will need to purchase a web font license. To calculate the size of the web font license required for your banners (or similar ads), use the ad impressions (as per your media buy) in place of page views.

Licensing — App

  • What will I receive when I buy your app fonts?

    After successful payment you will receive an immediate download with the appropriate desktop font files in a .zip folder. App fonts are delivered in .woff and .woff2 (and .woff variable files when applicable) format.

    You can access your download anytime in your emailed receipt or by logging in to your WTF account.

  • If I have purchased a desktop font license or a web font license can I use these fonts in an app or do I need a separate license?

    You are not permitted to use or embed desktop fonts or web fonts into an app for mobile or any other platform. You will need to buy an app font license to use in apps. Purchasing the app font license will provide you with the correct font file formats for use in apps as the required font files for apps are different from the font files required for web.

  • Do I need a special app font license for an app that works across multiple platforms?

    No. According to the WTF app font license, an app that works across multiple platforms is still considered one app. If you create more than one app then you will need to purchase a separate license for each app.

  • What types of apps are covered by your app font license?

    A WTF app font license can be used for apps on mobile, desktop or web. An app that works across multiple platforms but is functionally the same app is considered one app and only needs one app font license. If you create more than one app then you will need to purchase a separate app font license for each app.

  • Can I provide the app fonts to a developer?

    You may provide app fonts to your developer so he/she may style text within your app, but you must both comply with the app font license agreement. The developer must delete all font files from their devices and email once the work on the app is finished.

Buying Fonts

  • Where can I purchase WTF fonts?

    WTF fonts are exclusively available at workhorsetypefoundry.com. Licenses available on the website should cover most needs, but if you have other questions please email sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com.

  • What forms of payment are accepted?

    Whatever Shopify allows us to accept for payments.

  • Do you offer discounts for large volume purchases?

    Volume discounts are offered in the following ways:

    • Multi-user discounts. Font license pricing is based on the number of computers on which the font will be used. The higher the number of computers you purchase for, the lower the cost per license.

    • Font family bundle discounts. Purchasing a whole font family instead of purchasing one style at a time lowers the cost per style.

    There are no discounts available for purchases across desktop/web/app font formats. If you wish to purchase the same font for both web and desktop you will need to purchase both a web and a desktop license.

    WTF does not provide student discounts.

  • Can distributors buy WTF fonts for resale?

    No. WTF fonts may not be purchased for resale. WTF fonts are available exclusively on workhorsetypefoundry.com. Font licenses are software and cannot be transferred to a third party.

  • What do I do if my transaction has failed?

    WTF cannot see your personal details or the reason your card has been declined. Please contact your card issuer to discuss the problem.

  • How and when will I get the font?

    After successful payment you will receive an immediate download with the appropriate files in a .zip folder. The files will be labeled with the name and type for clarity (e.g. GeometricDesktop, GeometricWeb, etc.).

    The following is a list of the font file formats:

    • Desktop: .ttf, .otf

    • Web: .woff, .woff2

    • App: .woff, .woff2

  • What do I do if I accidentally ordered the wrong font?

    Sorry, but we can neither refund money nor swap incorrect font license purchases. There is no way for us to verify that you no longer hold copies of the font software.

Refunds & Returns

  • Do you offer refunds if I change my mind and want to return the font?

    All sales of font software are final. We do not offer any refunds. Please review your order carefully before checking out.

Test Fonts

  • Do you have fonts that I can test?

    Yes. Test fonts are available here.

Upgrades

  • Can I upgrade my font license to include additional users?

    Yes. You can upgrade font licenses to cover more computers at any time. You will only be charged the difference between what you have already paid and the price of the upgraded license. Some of the ways you may or may not upgrade your license are listed below.

    You can upgrade from:

    • A single style to a pair

    • A single style to a full family

    • A few styles to the full family

    • Your current number of computers to a higher number of computers

    • Your current number of page views to a higher number of page views

    • Your current MAUs or downloads to a higher number of MAUs or downloads

    You cannot upgrade:

    • From one individual style to add another individual style

    • From one font family to add another font family

    • From one type of font license to another. Desktop to web, web to app, etc.

    • From web fonts for one website to add web fonts for another separate website. Web fonts for another website need their own license.

    • From app fonts for one app to add app fonts for another separate app. App fonts for another app would need their own license.

    • To get licenses for any of these examples you will need to purchase a new font license. There are no discounts or upgrades available for these.

My Account

  • Why do I need to have an account?

    Your account allows you to access all previously purchased fonts as well as sales receipts. You create an account the first time you purchase a WTF font.

  • How do I sign in to my account?

    Click the account link in the header and input your credentials.

Troubleshooting

  • How do I use the fonts I just purchased?

    After completing your purchase, click download, open the .zip file you downloaded and install the fonts. If you didn’t download the files after completing your order you can access them at any time through your account or by clicking the link in your emailed receipt.

  • How do I open the .zip file?

    Fonts that you’ve purchased are delivered as .zip files to be downloaded. You can access the download either in your emailed receipt or in your WTF account. You’ll need to expand these files before you can install the fonts.

    Mac — Mac operating systems come with built-in support for expanding .zip files. Double click on the .zip files and your mac should do the rest.

    Windows — To activate a font on any version of Windows, navigate to Computer ▸ Local Disk (C:) ▸ Windows ▸ Fonts. Locate the folder you’ve expanded from the downloaded .zip file, and drag the font files into the Fonts folder.

  • It says “The font may be invalid or damaged”

    Font files themselves are rarely damaged. This message is often caused by the fonts not being successfully extracted from the .zip file you downloaded. For more information, see Opening the .zip file you’ve downloaded. If you’re still having trouble opening your font, try re-downloading the fonts either by following the link at the bottom of your emailed receipt or by logging in to your WTF account.

  • It says “Wait until Windows is finished using the font”

    This message may indicate that users’ ability to install fonts and software on the computer has been restricted by an administrator. Please contact the administrator to resolve the issue.

  • Fonts missing from the menu

    Missing italics. Some programs will not show a font’s italic version in the font menu if the fonts have been “style linked.” This is normal. In these programs (such as Microsoft word or Microsoft Powerpoint) use the toolbar button or the key command to use the italic style.

  • Technical Support

    If your troubleshooting question is not answered here please email support@workhorsetypefoundry.com with your question. To help us address the problem, please include as much information as you can such as your operating system, the program in which you’re having the problem, a description of the problem, the font styles that are not working, your original order number, etc.

Students

  • Does WTF allow students to test fonts?

    Download test fonts here.

Custom Fonts

  • Does WTF create custom fonts?

    Yes! WTF can work with you to either modify one of our existing typefaces or to create entirely custom fonts from scratch to fit your needs. Design is all about communication. Finding the right typeface for your business will set the tone for what is communicated when people interact with your brand. To create a custom typeface that will shape your audience’s expectations from the first glance, contact Workhorse Type Foundry at sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com. We will work with you through the process of identifying your needs and coming up with the right solution.

  • Are custom fonts that have been made for other clients available for purchase?

    No. Fonts created for clients are not for sale for general purchase.

  • Can I purchase a license for WTF fonts and customize or modify them for my personal use?

    No.

  • Can you make a font of my handwriting?

    WTF does not make fonts from people’s handwriting.

Font Technology

  • What characters are included in a font?

    Our typefaces are currently available in most Latin languages. If you need a font that covers more languages, please reach out via sales@workhorsetypefoundry.com and we'll do our best to meet your needs.

  • Accessing Bold and Italic styles

    Depending on the application, you can typically use keyboard shortcuts to access the bold and italic styles (on the Mac, command-B and -I are usually the commands; on Windows, control-B and -I).

    If you need to access any of the other styles you'll likely have to use whatever menu the application provides to select the correct weight/style.

  • What are “Stylistic Sets?”

    Stylistic sets are an Opentype feature that allows you to access alternate characters. For instance, WTF Geometric has an alternate lowercase “a” that can be accessed via stylistic set #7.

    Stylistic sets are available in most design software like Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, or any app that fully supports OpenType features like Sketch or Apple’s Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.

    Stylistic sets can be used on the web using specific css attributes. We're in the process of writing an article on how to fully use these features.

  • Why is the vertical alignment of the web fonts we purchased not centered?

    Fonts have a wide range of different metrics for x-height, ascenders, cap heights, etc. Without finessing (using padding and margin css) just about any font won't be centered in a text box.

Fonts in Use

WTF News

  • How do I sign up to receive news from Workhorse Type Foundry?

    You can follow the link for the font newsletter at the bottom of any page of workhorsetypefoundry.com.

    You can follow Workhorse Type Foundry on Instagram (@workhorsetypefoundry).

Other Questions

  • Which fonts are used on this website?

    Throughout the website we use WTF Geometric and WTF Geometric Inline.

  • What font is used in the WTF logo?

    The WTF logo is made with WTF Geometric Inline.

If your question isn’t answered above please ask away at hello@workhorsetypefoundry.com