Summary

This article explains how to install a TrueType font in Windows so it becomes available in GibbsCAM's Text Creation dialog. It also explains how to direct GibbsCAM to a custom font folder if the installed font is not detected.


Table of Contents


Before You Begin

  • Download the font from a trusted source and confirm that its license permits your intended use.

  • Save your work and close GibbsCAM so it can detect the font when it restarts.

  • Use a Windows account with local administrator rights. Installing a font for all users may require administrator approval.


Procedure

Step 1 - Prepare the TrueType Font

  1. If the download is a ZIP file, right-click it and select Extract All.

  2. Open the extracted folder and confirm that the font file has a .ttf extension. GibbsCAM Text Creation supports TrueType fonts.

Step 2 - Install the Font for All Windows Users

  1. Right-click the .ttf file.

  2. In Windows 11, select Show more options if the classic context menu is not already displayed.

  3. Select Install for all users.

  4. Approve the Windows User Account Control prompt if it appears. Windows registers the font in the system font location, typically C:\Windows\Fonts.

Step 3 - Select the Font in GibbsCAM

  1. Start GibbsCAM.

  2. Open the Text Creation dialog.

  3. Open the font list, select the installed font, and create the text geometry.


Expected Result

The installed TrueType font appears in the GibbsCAM Text Creation font list and can be used to create text geometry.


Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The Installed Font Does Not Appear in GibbsCAM

Possible Causes

  • The font file is not a supported TrueType (.ttf) font.

  • The font was installed only for the current Windows user.

  • GibbsCAM was open when the font was installed.

  • GibbsCAM is configured to use a different Font Directory.

Resolution

  1. Close GibbsCAM and confirm that the font file has a .ttf extension.

  2. Right-click the font and confirm that it was installed with Install for all users.

  3. If the font still does not appear, create a folder for GibbsCAM fonts, such as C:\GibbsCAM Fonts, and copy the .ttf file into it.

  4. Start GibbsCAM and select File > Preferences.

  5. Select the File tab.

  6. Under Font Directory, select Browse and choose the folder that contains the .ttf file.

  7. Select OK, restart GibbsCAM if prompted, and check the Text Creation font list again.


Best Practices

  • Use fonts from trusted sources and retain documentation for any licensing restrictions.

  • If you use several CAM-specific engraving fonts, keep them in a dedicated folder and set that folder as the GibbsCAM Font Directory.

  • Test the resulting text geometry before creating toolpath; complex TrueType outlines may not produce the engraving geometry you expect.



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Keywords

Import Font, Install Font, TrueType Font, TTF, GibbsCAM Font, Text Creation, Font Directory, Engraving Font, Custom Font, Windows Fonts, Install for All Users