Import Custom Fonts into Kdenlive

This guide explains how to import and use custom TrueType (.ttf) fonts in the Kdenlive title editor. Kdenlive does not feature an internal font uploader; instead, it retrieves font styles directly from your computer’s operating system font library. By installing a custom font onto your system and restarting Kdenlive, the new typeface will automatically become available for use in the title editor.

Step 1: Download Your TrueType Font

First, obtain the TrueType font file (ending in .ttf) that you wish to use. If the font downloaded as a compressed .zip file, extract it to access the raw font files before proceeding.

Step 2: Install the Font on Your Operating System

Because Kdenlive queries your system’s local font directory, you must install the font to your OS.

• Windows: Right-click the .ttf file and select Install (or Install for all users).
• macOS: Double-click the .ttf file to launch the Font Book application, then click the Install Font button.
• Linux: Copy the .ttf file into your local fonts directory (typically ~/.local/share/fonts/ or ~/.fonts/). After copying, open your terminal and run the command fc-cache -f -v to rebuild your system’s font cache.

Step 3: Apply the Font in Kdenlive

Once the font is installed system-wide, you can access it inside Kdenlive by following these steps:

1. Restart Kdenlive: If Kdenlive was open while you installed the font, save your work, close the program, and launch it again. This forces the software to scan your updated system font list.
2. Open the Title Editor: Right-click inside the Project Bin and select Add Title Clip, or double-click an existing title clip on your timeline.
3. Create Text: Click the Add Text icon (represented by a “T”), click inside the canvas, and type your text.
4. Choose the Font: In the Properties panel on the right side of the Title Editor window, click the font selection dropdown menu. Scroll to find your newly installed font, select it, and your text will instantly update to the new style.