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Using SIL Fonts in Documents and Publications – FAQ

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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.

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Reply
"Larry", Wed, Mar 3, 2010 17:59 (CST)
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 (CST) [modified by martinpk on Fri, Mar 5, 2010 08:51 (CST)]
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 (CDT)
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 (CDT) [modified by martinpk on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 04:11 (CDT)]
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.

Reply
"Carlos", Wed, Jun 27, 2012 10:25 (CDT)
about comercial use

Hi! I think I have it clear, but just in case ...

I want to use the fonts for commercial use in logos, brochures, posters, etc.. I will not sell or distribute, or modify fonts.

I can do it without problems?

Thanks.

Reply
martinpk, Thu, Jun 28, 2012 02:55 (CDT)
Re: about comercial use

Hi Carlos,

Yes, these are all permitted uses. Go ahead and use them in commercial publications. All the best!

--Peter, NRSI

Reply
"Lisa", Thu, Sep 6, 2012 08:42 (CDT)
Use for Broadcast

These fonts are licensed for commercial use, non-profit use, web and apps, and print? Does the OFL license also apply to Broadcast television? If so, does this apply to international broadcast distribution?

Thanks.

Reply
martinpk, Thu, Sep 6, 2012 08:54 (CDT)
Re: Use for Broadcast

Yes, the OFL license permits international broadcast usage too. We hope you find them useful!

Peter

Reply
"Lisa", Thu, Sep 6, 2012 08:58 (CDT)
Use for Broadcast

Thanks for your quick response.

-Lisa

Reply
"TM", Tue, Oct 2, 2012 16:24 (CDT)
Fonts us on web server

We produce printed items that our customer designs on our website. The customer creates their design using their own text and selects from a list of fonts. Our server renders a preview of their design along with their text in their chosen font(s) and then the customer places the order. We then use the design created by the customer and print his product. Can we use these fonts for this purpose with no additional license?

Reply
martinpk, Wed, Oct 3, 2012 04:49 (CDT)
Re: Fonts us on web server

Yes, you can use our fonts in that context without any additional license. Enjoy! --Peter

Reply
"Matt Mayfield", Tue, Oct 16, 2012 13:41 (CDT)
Crediting the font in a document

When using a font such as Gentium in a book, what's the correct/preferred way to attribute it?

Something like...?

Gentium font used under the SIL Open Font License

Reply
stephanie_smith, Wed, Nov 28, 2012 11:00 (CST) [modified by stephanie_smith on Wed, Nov 28, 2012 11:18 (CST)]
Re: Crediting the font in a document

You are not obligated to attribute an OFL font when you use it in a book or other document, but if you would like to, the wording suggested in the question would be fine. You may also want to include the short URL given at the top of each font's home page, to help others locate the font easily.

All the best!

Stephanie

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