Licensing & Suppliers

Fonts

We use fonts across three main sources depending on the project type. Always check the central library before purchasing anything new, and never share font files externally.

Adobe Fonts

Adobe Fonts (formerly Typekit) is included with our Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and is the first preference for print, brand, and static design work. Fonts are licensed per user account and sync automatically across all Adobe apps.

To activate a font

  • Open any Adobe app and go to Browse Fonts, or visit fonts.adobe.com
  • Search for the font and toggle it on to activate
  • The font will sync automatically to all your Adobe apps

Important notes

  • Adobe Fonts are not licensed for web embedding via CSS or for redistribution outside of Adobe apps
  • If a client requests font files directly, these cannot be shared. Direct them to their own Adobe CC subscription or a licensed alternative
  • Fonts deactivate if your Adobe CC subscription lapses, so do not package font files from Adobe Fonts for long-term archival

Google Fonts

For web and digital projects, Google Fonts is our first preference. They are free, open-source, and designed for web use with broad browser support. Always confirm the chosen typeface with the creative lead before locking it into a build.

Implementation

  • Embed via the Google Fonts API in the site's <head>, or self-host the downloaded files for performance
  • Self-hosting is preferred for production builds to reduce external dependencies and improve load speed

When not to use Google Fonts

  • If the client's brand requires a specific licensed typeface, check that the web licence covers the project before implementing
  • Non-Google web fonts may require a separate web font licence, even if the desktop version is already purchased

Purchased & licensed fonts

When a project requires a typeface outside of Adobe Fonts or Google Fonts, a licence must be purchased. Always check the central font library before purchasing to avoid duplicate spend.

Before purchasing

  • Check the central font library first, [location to be confirmed by Creative Director]
  • Confirm with your creative lead that the font is appropriate for the project
  • Check the correct licence type: desktop, web, app, or broadcast, these are separate licences and cannot be substituted for each other
  • Speak to your account manager or delivery lead before purchasing. Font costs should be scoped and on-charged to the client where applicable, do not purchase without approval

After purchasing

  • Save the font files and proof of purchase to the central font library immediately
  • Name the folder clearly with the font name, foundry, and licence type
  • Retain the licence agreement, this may be needed for client handovers or audits

Font sharing rules

  • Never share font files externally, with clients, contractors, or anyone outside the licensed team
  • Font licences are typically per-user or per-workstation. Do not distribute files beyond the number of seats purchased
  • If a contractor needs access to a licensed font, they must obtain their own licence
  • When packaging files for print or handing over to an external supplier, outline all text rather than supplying font files