You are here: Rendering > Resources > Font FAQ
Short URL: http://scripts.sil.org/FontFAQ_use

Using SIL Fonts in Documents and Publications – FAQ

9232 reads

Question: May I use SIL fonts in a document I plan to distribute in PDF format, or in a book I am publishing?

Answer: Please feel free to use SIL fonts in printed publications and PDF documents, including PDF documents posted on web pages. Such use is within the intended use of SIL fonts. No additional license or fee is required to use the fonts in a printed publication.

Many SIL fonts have been released under the SIL Open Font License. If you wanted to distribute SIL fonts not released under the Open Font License, you would need an OEM license.

Backlinks (20 most popular; affiliated sites and popular search engines removed)

Add a response to this article

Note: the opinions expressed in submitted contributions below do not necessarily reflect the opinions of our website.

Reply
"Larry", Wed, Mar 3, 2010 17:59 (EST)
Font use in digital images

Would use of these fonts in digital images be within their intended use as well, and no license fees would have to be paid?

Reply
martinpk, Fri, Mar 5, 2010 08:48 (EST) [modified by martinpk on Fri, Mar 5, 2010 08:51 (EST)]
Re: Font use in digital images

Yes, that's correct; this is within their intended use, and no fee is required.

Reply
"Lee", Tue, Sep 13, 2011 08:30 (EDT)
Use of SIL fonts in phsical print-outs

Two questions:

1) Would use of SIL fonts in a physical print-out, that is creation of a 3 dimensional object, such as produced by Shapeways, be allowed, with no additional license or fee incurred? Please note that for a physical print-out to be made, the file provided to Shapeways would include a mesh which would be derived from the font. An example would be a medallion with text on it. The text mesh would be produced by typing some text in Inkscape, saving out as an SVG file, loading said SVG file into Blender, converting SVG text to mesh then extrude into 3d. This would then be saved as a mesh file, which is uploaded to Shapeways for print-out (in metal or plastic) and sale for profit to the public. Sorry for the lengthy explanation, but I thought it better to be explicit about the process and goals.

2)Since it is not possible to include a credit for the author of the font in the mesh file uploaded to Shapeways, would accreditation on a web site, or possibly the storefront of the seller at Shapeways surffice?

Reply
martinpk, Tue, Sep 13, 2011 09:22 (EDT) [modified by martinpk on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 04:11 (EDT)]
Re: Use of SIL fonts in phsical print-outs

Hi Lee! Yes: this usage is covered by our licenses (and no fee is required), and we don't require a credit for font usage. If you want to send us an image of the design or product (see e-mail address at the foot of this page), we're always interested to see how our fonts are used. Hope your project goes well!

--Peter, NRSI.

Add a response to this article