Multi-User Licensing for Fonts

Most fonts are purchased with a basic End User License that usually allows the font(s) to be used on up to five CPUs (“central processing units,” such as computer workstations); some, however, are for only one or two CPUs. When ordering a font it is important to know the number of CPUs on which you will be allowed to use the font, as use beyond the basic license requires additional licensing.

The good news

Many don’t know that licensing for multiple users rewards the customer for being honest about the extent of use. Typically multi-user licenses (MULs) are very reasonable, and the more CPUs, incrementally less expensive (the cost, for example of a FontFont package for 50 CPUs is only 3x the price of the basic license).

Save big: the more users you license, the lower the cost per user.
Each foundry has its own MUL pricing, but all follow a similar pattern. Here are five.

MULs and fonts purchased online from FontShop

Fonts purchased and downloaded from this site are licensed for the number of CPUs you enter. The basic license for most foundries is for 1–5 CPUs, with a multi-user license (MUL) required thereafter; however, some foundries require a MUL after one or two CPUs. Ordering online makes licensing easy, as MUL(s) are applied automatically (if required) when you enter the number of CPUs, with the price adjusting automatically. However, the site cannot quote/vend MULs beyond a certain number of CPUs for some fonts, so if you find you require a broader license than what is available online please contact us. If your online order does include a MUL, you will receive further documentation in the mail for your records. With your online order you receive the applicable End User License Agreements (EULAs) for the fonts. It is a good idea to read and understand your license(s) to use the font(s), as use beyond the EULA requires additional licensing. Should you later wish to use fonts licensed online on more CPUs than originally licensed, call 1 415 252 1003 for broader licensing.

MULs and fonts purchased by phone

Most fonts are licensed for up to 5 CPUs, with some exceptions. As the number of CPUs allowed under a basic End User License will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, be sure to read the End User License Agreement(s) that accompany your font purchases to know how many CPUs are allowed under the basic license. Should you ever wish to use fonts previously licensed on more CPUs, contact us for additional licensing.

Font usage rights

Often, companies with multiple workstations who require a multi-user license frequently have questions:

• Can a subsidiary of our company use the fonts, too?
• If we purchase a font which is only available in PostScript format, are we legally entitled to convert the font to PC TrueType format?
• Are we legally entitled to embed the fonts in PDF documents and distribute them to all our subsidiaries/personnel?
• Can we use the fonts on the Internet?

Because the answers to these questions vary depending on the manufacturer, they are best dealt with on an individual basis. Please email us or call 1 415 252 1003 with questions pertaining to licensing.

Return to Support

• FAQ
• Installation Help
• Glossary
• MUL Licensing
• OpenType
• Contact Us

• Contact Us For Answers

  Got questions about font licensing? We can answer them. Contact us, either by email or phone, and we’ll get you squared away.

  Common licensing questions include:

  • “I don’t understand any of this! Help!”
    — We can explain everything.
  • “I need to extend an existing license.”
    — Sure, we can do that.
  • “I have fonts that aren’t properly licensed and I want to get legit.”
    — We can do this for you, no hassles.
  • “I need a special license, such as for font embedding.”
    — FontShop is all things font. We’ll get you squared away.

  Contact us for the answers to these or any other questions. You can read this article for general font licensing information.