Font licensing explained: what you may actually do
Learn how desktop, web, app, document, and commercial-use permissions differ, and what to verify before downloading or publishing a font.
Reviewed
The font file and the typeface are not the same right
A font download is software governed by its license. “Free” may mean free for personal work only, free with attribution, or free under an open license. It does not automatically allow client work, a website, an app, redistribution, modification, or embedding in a product. Read the license supplied with the exact version you downloaded and keep a copy with the file.
Match the license to the way the font will be used
Desktop use normally covers designs created on your computer. Webfont use covers serving font data to site visitors. App and game use can require a separate embedding license, while editable documents and templates can have their own rules. A logo may be allowed as a static design even when redistributing the font file is prohibited. If terms are unclear, ask the rights holder before release.
Verify provenance, scope, and version
Check the author or foundry website, the license text inside the archive, and embedded font metadata. Make sure the uploader had permission to share the file and that the license applies to the exact style and version. Fonts2u reports available metadata and labels, but those are discovery aids rather than legal advice or a replacement for the original license.