Adobe Font Export Guide
Master the workflow for extracting fonts from Adobe Creative Cloud applications and converting them for web use. Understand Adobe Fonts licensing, font syncing, and proper export procedures.
TL;DR - Key Takeaways
- • Adobe Fonts (Typekit) cannot be downloaded or self-hosted—use Adobe's embed code
- • Local fonts in PSD/AI files require separate web licensing for conversion
- • Package feature in InDesign collects fonts but doesn't grant web rights
- • Always verify licensing before converting any font for web distribution
In this article
Adobe Creative Cloud is the cornerstone of professional design work, and fonts used in Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, and InDesign designs need careful handling when transitioning to web development. Understanding Adobe's font ecosystem—particularly Adobe Fonts (formerly Typekit) versus locally installed fonts—is essential for legal and efficient font workflows.
This guide covers extracting font information from Adobe applications, understanding Adobe Fonts licensing limitations, identifying locally installed fonts that can be converted, and implementing fonts in web projects while respecting licensing requirements.
The key challenge with Adobe workflows is that Adobe Fonts are licensed for use within Adobe products and through Adobe's web hosting only—they cannot be downloaded, converted, or self-hosted. Understanding this limitation helps you plan your typography strategy appropriately.
Understanding Adobe Fonts (Typekit)
Adobe Fonts provides access to thousands of high-quality fonts as part of Creative Cloud subscriptions. However, the licensing model differs significantly from owning font files.
Critical Limitation
Adobe Fonts cannot be downloaded, extracted, or converted. The fonts are licensed for use within Adobe applications and through Adobe's web font delivery service only. Any attempt to extract these fonts violates the terms of service.
Adobe Fonts for Web (Legal Method)
Adobe provides a web embedding service for Adobe Fonts. Include their JavaScript in your site to load fonts legally.
Implementation Steps:
- Go to fonts.adobe.com and select your fonts
- Create a Web Project and add desired fonts
- Copy the provided embed code
- Add to your site's <head> section
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.typekit.net/abc1def.css">
When to Use Adobe Fonts for Web
Advantages
- No additional licensing cost
- Access to premium fonts
- Adobe handles optimization
- CDN delivery included
Disadvantages
- Requires CC subscription
- External dependency
- Less control over loading
- Font availability may change
Extracting Local Font Information
Fonts installed locally on your system and used in Adobe files can potentially be converted for web use—if you have proper licensing.
Photoshop
Select text layer → Window → Character panel shows font family, weight, size.
Type → Match Font can identify fonts in rasterized images.
Illustrator
Type → Find Font lists all fonts used in document with usage count.
Window → Document Info → Objects shows font details.
InDesign
Type → Find Font shows all fonts with replacement options.
File → Package collects fonts (for print, not web).
InDesign Package Fonts Warning
InDesign's Package feature collects fonts for print production handoff. This does not grant web licensing rights. Using packaged fonts for web conversion may violate font licenses.
Identifying Font Sources
Determining where a font came from helps you understand your licensing options.
Adobe Fonts
Look for the Adobe Fonts icon (Af) next to font name in the font menu. These are synced from fonts.adobe.com.
Web option: Use Adobe's web embedding service only.
System/Local Fonts
Fonts without special icons are installed locally. Check Font Book (Mac) or Fonts folder (Windows) for files.
Web option: Convert if you have web licensing rights.
Google Fonts
If you recognize Google Fonts like Roboto, Open Sans, etc., these can be freely used on the web.
Web option: Load from Google Fonts or self-host.
Adobe XD to Web Workflow
Adobe XD provides developer-friendly export options for typography specifications.
Using XD Design Specs
Share for Development
Share → Share for Development creates a web link where developers can inspect typography specs, including font family, size, weight, and line height.
CSS Export
Clicking on text elements in dev mode shows CSS properties including font-family, which helps identify exact fonts used.
XD exports CSS like:
.heading {
font-family: "Neue Haas Grotesk Display Pro";
font-size: 32px;
font-weight: 700;
line-height: 40px;
color: #1a1a1a;
}Finding Web-Safe Alternatives
When Adobe Fonts or licensed fonts can't be used on the web, find similar open-source alternatives.
Popular Substitutions
| Adobe/Commercial Font | Free Alternative | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Proxima Nova | Montserrat | Google Fonts |
| Futura | Nunito / Jost | Google Fonts |
| Helvetica | Inter / Open Sans | Google Fonts |
| Avenir | Nunito Sans | Google Fonts |
| Garamond | EB Garamond | Google Fonts |
Font Matching Tools
Use tools like Font Squirrel Matcherator, WhatTheFont, or Identifont to find similar fonts when you can't use the original. Always compare metrics like x-height and character widths for design consistency.
Convert Licensed Fonts for Web
Have licensed font files from your Adobe projects? Convert them to optimized WOFF2 format for web use.
Start Converting Fonts
Written & Verified by
Sarah Mitchell
Product Designer, Font Specialist
Adobe Font Export FAQs
Common questions about Adobe Creative Cloud font workflows