Download nine popular Nepali fonts, including Preeti, Kalimati and Kantipur, and install them on Windows or Mac in under two minutes.
- 9 fonts
- Windows & Mac
- Free for personal use
Nepali fonts are the typefaces used to write the Nepali language in design, documents, blogging and print. They are used in Nepal, and also by Nepali speakers in India and Bhutan. I use these same fonts every day for blogging and graphic design, so this list only has fonts people actually use.
Pick a font below, download the zip file, extract it and install it. If you get stuck, jump to the installation steps.
What are Nepali fonts?
Nepali is written in the Devanagari script, the same script used for Hindi and Sanskrit. Because the letterforms are so close, the text looks similar to Hindi, and you can also use Hindi fonts to display Nepali. If you want that route, see my guide to free Hindi fonts for PC.
A font for Nepali needs the full set of Devanagari characters, including conjuncts and half letters. If you are not sure how those are typed, read how to type Nepali half letters.
Unicode vs legacy fonts: know this before you download
Nepali fonts come in two kinds, and mixing them up is the most common reason text turns into strange symbols.
| Legacy fonts (e.g. Preeti, Kantipur) | Unicode fonts (e.g. Kalimati) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Maps Nepali shapes onto English keys, so the font must be installed to read the text | Stores real Devanagari characters that any device can read |
| Best for | Print design, banners, Photoshop, Illustrator, office documents | Websites, social media, email, mobile, search |
| Typing | Needs a Preeti-style keyboard layout | Works with Nepali Unicode keyboards and converters |
If you have text in a legacy font and need it on the web, use the English to Nepali Unicode converter to change it into readable Unicode.
Download Nepali fonts
Each button downloads a zip file. Extract it before installing.
Preeti Legacy
The most widely used Nepali font for offices, print and publishing. Needs the Preeti layout to type. Preeti font with layout.
Download Preeti
Kalimati Unicode
A clean, readable Unicode font that works on websites and in everyday documents. Kalimati font guide.
Download Kalimati
Ganess
A distinctive style that suits headings and posters. Test a sample line before using it in client work.
Download Ganess
Arap
An alternative style for titles and design projects. Type a short test after installing to see how it looks.
Download Arap
Kantipur Legacy
A newspaper-style font common in print and publishing. Kantipur font guide.
Download Kantipur
Kanchan
A simple option for documents and layouts when you want something different from Preeti.
Download Kanchan
Kalam Unicode
A handwritten feel that works well for quotes, greetings and social media posts.
Download Kalam
Looking for a Hindi-style Unicode font? Try Kokila font.
How to install Nepali fonts
First extract the zip file on your computer. Then follow the steps for your system.
Windows
- Open the extracted folder.
- Double-click the font file (.ttf or .otf).
- Click Install.
- Restart Word or your design app.
Mac
- Open the extracted folder.
- Double-click the font file.
- Click Install Font in Font Book.
- Restart your app.
For screenshots and fixes when a font does not appear, read how to install a Nepali font on Windows 11.
How to type Nepali after installing
Installing a font only changes how text looks. You also need a way to type it:
- Set up your keyboard with how to type Nepali in a laptop.
- Learn without looking at the keys: download Typeshala, the free Nepali typing tutor for Windows, or practise Nepali typing online.
- Follow a full course with Typeshala typing tutor for Windows.
- Compare options in the best free Nepali typing practice software.
- Need numbers in words? Use the Devanagari number to words converter.
Which font should you pick?
| You want to | Start with |
|---|---|
| Publish on a website or social media | Kalimati or Kalam (Unicode) |
| Design a banner, poster or print layout | Preeti or Kantipur |
| Write an office document in the usual style | Preeti or Kalimati |
| Add a personal, handwritten touch | Kalam |
| Try a different look | Ganess, Arap, Kanchan, Aakar or Aakriti |
Licence and fair use
Personal use only. These fonts are shared here for educational purposes. If you want to use them commercially, ask the font’s creator for permission first.
Frequently asked questions
Are these Nepali fonts free?
Yes, you can download them for free. Use them for personal and educational purposes only. Commercial use needs the creator’s permission.
Do they work on both Windows and Mac?
Yes. Extract the zip file, then double-click the font file to install it on either system.
Why does my Nepali text show strange English letters?
You are probably viewing legacy font text (like Preeti) without the font installed. Install the font, or convert the text with the Unicode converter.
Can I use Hindi fonts for Nepali?
Yes. Both languages use Devanagari, so Hindi fonts display Nepali text well. See free Hindi fonts for PC.
Which font is best for websites?
Use a Unicode font such as Kalimati. Legacy fonts like Preeti will not display correctly on visitors’ devices.
