Core guide · Licensing
Can I use a free font in a logo?
How to check whether a free font can legally be used in a personal or commercial logo.
Sometimes. A font marked for commercial use can usually be used to create a logo, but a Demo or Personal Use licence normally cannot be used for a client, company or income-producing project.
The licence decides—not the download price
A font can cost nothing to download and still have strict limits. The important question is not whether the file was free, but which licence accompanied that exact version of the font when it was downloaded.
For a business logo, look for an explicit permission for commercial use. Keep the licence file, source URL, font version and download date with the project records.
What the common labels mean
Demo is for testing. Free for Personal Use is for private, non-commercial work. A 100% Free label on Font Trust permits commercial use of the unchanged font under the displayed terms. Free to Modify means the underlying open licence must be read before altering the font.
- Check commercial use.
- Check whether modification is permitted.
- Check whether a logo or trademark has special conditions.
- Read the complete licence when the summary and licence differ.
Turning letters into artwork
Creating outlines or adjusting the appearance of a wordmark may count as modifying the font in some licences and may be treated differently in others. Do not assume that converting text to curves removes the licence obligations.
Font Trust shows a plain-language permission card, the complete licence and the verified source together so the decision can be made before download.
This guide explains general font practice and the permissions displayed by Font Trust. The complete licence attached to a specific font remains the controlling text.