Font licences explained: can I use this font commercially?

When you download a font you get a licence, not ownership. The licence decides where you may use it. Here is what the common types mean, in plain language.

Updated 1 October 2026 · Typesay guide

Open licence fonts (free)

Most free fonts on Typesay use the SIL Open Font License (OFL) or a similar licence. You may use them for anything, including logos, websites, apps, products you sell and client work. You may not sell the font files on their own.

Desktop licence

Lets you install the font on your computer and use it in documents, graphics, print and logos. It usually covers a set number of computers.

Web licence

Lets you embed the font on websites with @font-face. Often priced by the number of page views or domains.

App licence

Needed to bundle the font file inside software, a mobile app or a game.

Personal use only fonts

Many fonts on other free font sites are free for personal use only. Using them in a logo, on products or for a client needs a paid licence. Every font page on Typesay states its licence clearly.

Questions, answered

Can I use a free font in a logo?

If it is open licence (such as OFL), yes. If it says personal use only, no, not without buying a licence.

Do I need a licence for a font in an image I post online?

A desktop licence covers fonts in static images and graphics. Embedding the font itself on a website needs a web licence, unless the font is open licence.