How to set up Google Web Fonts on Ubuntu and Debian
If you need new fonts on your Ubuntu or Debian PC, you’ll want to check out Google Web Fonts. It’s a massive collection of open-source fonts available for anyone to download.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to install all of the Google Web Fonts on both Ubuntu and Debian. We’ll also go over how to remove installed Google Web Fonts.
Note: Google Web Fonts are available for all Linux users. However, the TypeCatcher application is only distributed officially on Ubuntu and Debian. If you’re using Fedora, OpenSUSE, or any other distribution, feel free to follow along with this guide. However, you will need to compile the app via its source code manually.
You can also get Microsoft Core fonts on Linux.
Installing TypeCatcher
On Linux, Google Web Fonts is best installed via the TypeCatcher application. To get the app installed, start by opening up a terminal window on the Linux desktop. To open up a terminal, press Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard.
Once the terminal window is open and ready to use, follow the command-line installation instructions outlined below that corresponds with your Linux operating system.
Ubuntu
To install the TypeCatcher application on Ubuntu, use the following Apt command in a terminal. Or, search “TypeCatcher” in the Ubuntu Software Center and click on the “Install” button to get it working.
Please note that it is also possible to install TypeCatcher on all Ubuntu derivatives. So, if you’re a Linux Mint user, an Elementary OS user, a Zorin OS fan, or using any other distribution based on Ubuntu, you will be able to get Google Web Fonts working.
sudo apt install typecatcher
Debian
To get the TypeCatcher program up and running on Debian Linux, use the following Apt-get command below. Or, search for “TypeCatcher” in Gnome Software, Synaptic Package Manager, or KDE Discover and install it that way.
Please note that all Debian Linux derivatives will also be able to install the TypeCatcher app. So, if you use MX Linux, BunsenLabs, SolydXK, or others, it will be possible to get the Google Web Fonts working.
sudo apt-get install typecatcher
Arch Linux AUR package
We aren’t covering Arch Linux in this guide on installing Google Web Fonts. However, it’s worth mentioning briefly, that aside from Debian and Ubuntu, Arch Linux is the only other Linux distribution that users can easily install TypeCatcher. If you’re an Arch user, install your favorite AUR helper (like Trizen or Yay). Then, download the TypeCatcher AUR package and install it.
Note: this package will also work on Manjaro Linux and other Arch Linux derivatives.
Using TypeCatcher to download Google Web Fonts
TypeCatcher is a downloader tool. To use to get Google Web Fonts on your Ubuntu or Debian PC, start by launching the program on your Linux desktop. To launch it, open up the app menu, and search for the “TypeCatcher” and click on it to launch the program. If you cannot find TypeCatcher in the app menu, open up the quick launcher with Alt + F2 and execute the typecatcher command.
Once the TypeCatcher application is open, follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to download Google Web Fonts to your Linux system.
Step 1: Look at the left-hand sidebar in TypeCatcher and scroll through to find the font you want. Then, click on it with the mouse to select it. Alternatively, if you can’t find the font you’d like, click on the search box, type out the name of the font you’d like, and click on the Enter key to perform a search.
Step 2: Find the “File” button, and click on it with the mouse to reveal its options. From there, click on the “Save As” button. Once you’ve clicked on the “Save As” button, the TypeCatcher application will download and install the font to your system. Alternatively, click on the download icon to download and save and install any Google Web Font to your Linux PC.
Repeat these two steps to install any number of Google Web Fonts that are available for download in the TypeCatcher program on Ubuntu or Debian.
Uninstall Google Web Fonts
Are you looking to uninstall some Google Web Fonts that you’ve previously installed? Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Look through the list of available fonts in the TypeCatcher application for the font you wish to uninstall. Then, click on it with the mouse. Alternatively, click on the search box and type in the name of the font you wish to uninstall.
Step 2: Find the trash can icon, and click on it with the mouse. By selecting the trash can icon, you will tell TypeCatcher to delete the selected font from your Ubuntu or Debian PC.
Be sure to repeat this two-step process to remove all installed Google Web Fonts from your computer. Fonts don’t look good? Here’s how you can improve them on Linux.
