Sign-Up & Profile Setup

Thank you for considering Monotype to distribute your fonts! Monotype has been a leading global provider of type, technology and expertise for more than 125 years. We are continuously releasing new fonts to our online store, MyFonts.com. You can sell your fonts under your foundry name for non-exclusive distribution at these websites.

1. Please create log in to Fontplatform.monotype.com to submit your application. You may need to create a new account, or you can log in using your MyFonts or Monotype Fonts account.
2. Please read our article how to avoid rejection to ensure you have the greatest chance of success with your application.

Start your application

⚠️   Some important information before you begin:

• By working with us, you're applying to distribute your fonts under your own foundry brand through our e-commerce website (MyFonts) and also through our offline sales teams. Read more about this agreement.
• As a US-based company, we follow US export laws. Therefore, we can’t transact with certain countries. We are unable to transact with folks in Russia, Belarus, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine. If you are located in any of these countries, unfortunately we will not be able to accept your application.

Please prepare the following items:

• Foundry name. Please read our article about foundry naming. Please make sure to use the same spelling, spacing and capitalization everywhere you write your foundry name. 
• Foundry description. This must be in English and should be about your business. Read more about writing a foundry description.
• Designer bio. This must be in English and be about the person who designs the fonts in your foundry. 

Once your foundry application is accepted, then you'll be able to submit your first fonts for review. For this, you'll need:

• Font family name. Please read our article about font naming and check your font name to ensure it can be accepted. 
• Finalized font files (double check before submitting!) in OTF or TTF format. You may submit only one file type.
• At least five images sized at 2000x1000 pixels in PNG format. For some good examples, just check out the images on our Hot New Fonts page! 
• A description about your font family in English. Check out our tips for writing a great description. 
• Tags about your font family. 
• Prices in USD. You can also add other currencies too!

Helpful tips:

• Sign your agreement with your full legal name (first and last name).
• Double check your foundry name. We will not accept foundries whose names are too similar to other existing foundries or trademarked names. 
• We do not sell fonts that are offered for free elsewhere. We also do not list entirely free font families on our sites. You can sell a family that contains a few free styles to entice customers. Read more about our policies on free fonts.
• If your font is sold elsewhere, the pricing on our sites must be the same or less.
• Read this article for detailed instructions about submitting new fonts.
• All fonts submitted to Monotype are reviewed to ensure quality and to prevent issues for customers. See Common Reasons for Font Rejection to learn more and increase your chances of being accepted!

Every foundry application is reviewed by a real person, and when needed, we’ll share clear feedback about what isn’t quite right. The good news? Most common rejection reasons are simple to avoid. Use the guidelines below to ensure your application process is smooth, quick, and successful. 

1. Sign with Your Complete Legal Name

This may sound obvious, but it’s important. When signing your agreement, use your full legal name, not your foundry name, nickname, or creative alias. Your title should reflect your actual role within your company, such as CEO, Owner, or Designer. While the agreement represents your foundry, it still requires a real individual to sign it.

2. Keep Your Foundry Name Consistent

One of the most frequent reasons applications are rejected is inconsistent foundry naming. Use the exact same spelling, spacing, and capitalization throughout your application. As a type designer, attention to detail is your strength, apply that same precision to your business information.

3. Check Your Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation

Your application should follow basic writing conventions, including correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. If English isn’t your first language, ask a native speaker to review your materials or run your text through a tool like Grammarly. At a minimum, ensure each sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a period.

4. Write Your Application in English

Please submit your application in English. While we partner with foundries around the world, our current primary markets, and most site content are in English. As we expand localization support in the future, you’ll be able to submit descriptions in additional languages.

5. Don’t Address the Reviewer in Your Public Description

If your application is accepted, the description you provide becomes public on MyFonts and Monotype Fonts. Write a professional description intended for customers, not a letter to the reviewer. Avoid greetings such as “Hello,” and do not include a signature.

Choosing your foundry name is the first step to building a strong brand and setting yourself up for success. Your name helps customers instantly recognize your work and connects your fonts to a distinctive style, quality, and point of view. As a type designer and entrepreneur, your foundry name should reflect who you are and what makes your work stand out.

So, What Is a “Foundry” Anyway?

A foundry is the business or brand under which you publish and sell your fonts. The term comes from the days when fonts were cast in metal at actual foundries. Today, it's your creative shopfront and your label in the global type world.

Brainstorming Your Foundry Name

Shift Your Perspective

Designing fonts is often a solo process, but naming your foundry is a branding decision. Set aside your personal preferences for a moment and imagine how a customer would perceive your name. Think of your foundry as a business first, not just an artistic outlet.

Make a Word List

Write down descriptive words you’d like people to associate with your fonts. Include emotions, styles, influences, or specific references. These can also become useful tags for your fonts later.

Consider Your Overall Brand

Think about your visual identity, target audience, and product range. What kinds of fonts will you offer? What feeling do you want your foundry to give off? A clear sense of direction helps you choose a name that fits.

Name Formulas

Option 1: Expressive Word + Descriptive Word

Examples: Latinotype, Set Sail Studios, Luxfont 
Mix a creative or emotional word with one that signals what your business does, like Type, Fonts, Studio, Co., and so on. Make sure your name is unique and doesn’t lock you into one style or theme.

Option 2: Your Own Name

Examples: Laura Worthington, Mark Simonson 
Using your personal name can offer flexibility as your work evolves. Just remember, it puts your reputation front and center.

Option 3: Abstract or Invented Word

Examples: Resistenza, Fontador, Sudtipos 
Made-up names can be memorable, ownable, and globally recognizable. If you choose this route, share the story behind the name in your foundry description.

Test Your Name

• Trademark Search

You can search trademark databases like the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) for the U.S., and TMview for the European Union and beyond. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s a good idea to speak with a trademark attorney. 
We don’t allow foundry names that are too similar to existing ones or that conflict with registered trademarks. Beyond legal concerns, you also want to avoid confusion for customers who may accidentally land somewhere else.

• Google It

Search the name online and see what shows up. Look for anything confusing or unintended. Check meanings in other languages to avoid accidental associations.

• Check Availability

See if the name is available on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Check domain availability too. Even if you’re not launching a website right away, claiming your name early is smart.

• Ask for Feedback

Share your ideas with friends, peers, or collaborators. Ask what comes to mind when they hear the name and how they interpret it. Outside input often reveals things you may not notice yourself.

• Say It Out Loud

Make sure the name is easy to say, spell, and remember. Avoid unclear combinations, number substitutions, or username-style formats. Adjust spacing or capitalization if it improves readability.

Things to Avoid

🚫 Do Not Use “Std” to Mean “Studio”

In type, “Std” typically stands for “Standard.” It can also carry inappropriate associations. It’s best to avoid using it altogether.

🚫 Be Careful with Symbols

Foundry names should be clean, simple, and easy to type. Periods (.) and ampersands (&) are allowed when they make sense in context. Avoid dashes or unusual punctuation that can affect readability or searchability.

🚫 Avoid ALL CAPS

Unless your foundry name is an acronym, using all caps can appear like shouting. Stick to standard capitalization for clarity and comfort.

Need Support?

If you have questions or need help choosing a foundry name, we’re here for you. 
Email us anytime at foundrysupport@monotype.com

When you submit your foundry application, you’ll be asked to include a foundry description in English. This is one of the first pieces of information our team reviews, and it’s also what customers will see on your foundry page across all our platforms. A clear, thoughtful description helps introduce your business and builds trust with future customers.

Write a Description, Not a Letter to the reviewers

Your foundry description should read like an introduction to your business. It can be short or several paragraphs long, but it should be written for customers, not addressed to the review team. Keep in mind that whatever you submit becomes part of your public profile.

Add Personality

Your description is an opportunity to give customers a sense of who you are. You can bring personality into your writing by:

• Sharing the story behind your foundry. How did it begin? If your foundry name has an interesting meaning or origin, you can explain it.
• Describing your focus areas. What types of fonts do you create? What drives your work? What are your main specialties?
• Adding relevant links such as your website or social media accounts.
• Including details about your team or where you’re based.
• Highlighting achievements, such as awards or well-known clients who use your fonts.

• Matching your tone to your brand. A foundry offering premium, high-end fonts may write differently from one creating casual or playful designs.

   

Be Professional

Your description should follow standard writing conventions:

• no spelling or grammar mistakes
• proper capitalization for names, places, and your foundry name
• complete sentences that begin with a capital letter and end with a period

If English isn’t your first language, consider running your text through a tool like Grammarly or asking a native speaker to review it.

Stay Consistent

Your foundry name must appear the same way everywhere: same spelling, same spacing, same capitalization. Consistency helps customers recognize your brand.

For example, if your name is “Magic Type,” variations like “magic type,” “majictype,” or “Magictype” can confuse customers and appear unprofessional.

🤔 If Your Foundry Name Is Your Personal Name

Many designers choose to use their own name as their foundry name. This works well for some businesses and changes how your description may read. 
You should still follow all the guidelines above, but it’s perfectly fine for your foundry description to focus more on you personally. In these cases, your foundry description and your type designer bio can be the same or nearly identical.

A typeface designer’s biography should highlight their education, experience, and overall design philosophy. The aim is to give readers a clear sense of who you are, how you work, and what shapes your approach to type design. Below are the key elements your bio can include.

What to Include in Your Bio

• Introduction

Begin with a short introduction that explains who you are, your professional background, and the work you do as a typeface designer.

• Education

Share your educational background, including degrees, courses, or training related to typeface design. This may include formal studies, mentorships, or learning independently.

• Experience

Describe your professional experience. Mention notable projects, collaborators, clients, or any significant work that demonstrates your expertise.

• Design Philosophy

Explain your approach to typeface design. Describe what inspires you and how you begin and develop your projects. You may touch on topics like research, historical references, experimentation, or the principles that guide your design decisions.

• Specializations

If you focus on particular areas, such as display typefaces, text fonts, or specific writing systems, include those specializations in your bio.

• Technical Skills

List any relevant technical skills, like proficiency with font design software, engineering tools, or programming languages that support your workflow.

• Awards and Recognition

Include any awards, honors, or recognition you’ve received for your work.

• Personal Interests

You can also share a bit about your interests or hobbies. These small personal details can help readers and potential clients connect with you on a human level.

Overall, your biography should give readers a clear and complete view of your background, design philosophy, and professional expertise.

First Person vs. Third Person

You can choose to write your bio in first person (“I”) or third person (“they,” “she,” “he,” or your name).

• Third person bios tend to feel more formal and traditional.
• First person bios sound more personal and conversational.

If you decide to write in first person, make sure the tone still reads like a description, not a letter to the reader.

Example: First-Person Type Designer Bio

“I (John Smith) am a passionate typeface designer with an unwavering dedication to creating exceptional and innovative designs. With a deep understanding of the power of typography and a keen eye for detail, I bring a unique perspective to my work that is informed by my extensive experience in graphic design.

Originally trained as a graphic designer, my interest in typography led me to pursue further studies in typeface design, ultimately earning me a degree from the prestigious Cooper Union. Since then, I have gone on to work with some of the most prominent typeface design firms in the industry, where I have earned a reputation as a talented and innovative designer.

I am known for my ability to create typefaces that not only meet the functional requirements of a project but also add a unique and memorable aesthetic to the design. I am passionate about exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of traditional typeface design, and my work has been recognized by clients and peers alike for its creativity and impact.

In addition to my work as a typeface designer, I am also a respected teacher and mentor and have played an important role in training the next generation of designers. I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with others and am always looking for new ways to inspire and educate others about the power of typography.”

Example: Third-Person Type Designer Bio

“Alice Johnson is an accomplished typeface designer and engineer based in San Francisco. She holds a graduate degree from the Type and Media program at the Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten (KABK) in the Netherlands, as well as an undergraduate degree in graphic design from the California College of the Arts.

With over a decade of experience in typeface design, she is known for her technical expertise and her ability to bring complex designs to life. She has worked with a range of clients and collaborators, from independent artists and designers to large corporations and institutions.

In addition to her work as a designer, she is also a respected teacher and mentor and has taught workshops and lectured at leading design schools around the world. She is particularly passionate about sharing her knowledge of font engineering and production and has developed a popular course in font production for the Type@Cooper Extended Program.

Alice is committed to advancing the field of typeface design through research, experimentation, and collaboration. She is always exploring new ideas and techniques, and her work reflects a deep appreciation for the power of typography to communicate and inspire.”