When there is an issue with a typeface, it’s time to clear the font cache. Japanese icons provided by Stuart Rankin

Clearing the font cache

Sometimes Desktop Fonts do not appear in program menus. In almost all such cases, the problem can be resolved by clearing the so‑called Font Cache.

First things first, what is the Font Cache? It is the temporary memory of a typeface on your computer. This allows your computer to access your installed fonts more quickly.

Sometimes the font cache can become corrupted and cause issues within programs or printers. The best solution is to clear the Font Cache so that your computer can rebuild it. Here’s how:

MacOS 14+

• Close all programs
• Uninstall the typeface
  You can uninstall the typeface via the Font Book app.
  You can find this app by typing Font Book in the Spotlight Search.
• Close all your applications
• Shut Down your computer
• Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears
• Select a volume (you probably have only one)
• Press and hold the Shift key, then click “Continue in Safe Mode”
  This process may take some time as it rebuilds all your caches. You will end up at the user login page, where you will see the words “Safe Mode” at the top.
• Restart your computer (and printer)
  This is important to rebuild the new Font Cache
• Reinstall your fonts
• Open your programs (like Adobe InDesign or MS Word)

  There may be slight differences in how to enter Safe Mode if you are using an older version of macOS. Check → here for instructions on how to enter Safe Mode.

Windows

• Close all programs.
• Delete the following file:
  C:\Windows\System32\FNTCACHE.DAT
  
• Restart your computer (and printer)
  This is important to rebuild the new Font Cache
• Open your programs (like Adobe InDesign or MS Word)