Using TypeShelf

TypeShelf detects your Windows font folders when it starts. Imported fonts live in a separate managed folder.

Find the fonts already on your PC

Open Windows fonts in the sidebar. TypeShelf reads the system Fonts directory and the per-user Microsoft/Windows/Fonts directory when they exist. Installed faces have an Installed in Windows label. Choose Manage this font to review a per-user installation or open Windows Fonts settings for a system-wide font.

Import a personal font folder

Choose Import fonts, then select files or a folder. You can also drop files and folders into the app. TypeShelf copies supported files into its local library and compares SHA-256 hashes to skip identical files. The import report records unreadable fonts and duplicates; originals are kept.

Preview and organize

Search by family, style or tag. Select a font to edit the preview text or change its size. Create a collection, add the font, and save tags separated by commas. TTF, OTF and TTC support native previews. Web fonts can be indexed when readable but cannot be activated in desktop apps.

Activate fonts temporarily

Choose Activate temporarily for an imported desktop font or activate an entire collection. Keep TypeShelf open while working. Deactivate individual fonts or use Deactivate all fonts in Settings. Windows fonts remain installed.

Set up an app rule

Open Auto-activation, add an app rule, choose Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW or an Affinity preset, and select a collection. You can enter a custom executable name. TypeShelf checks the foreground app every two seconds. Fonts stay active until you deactivate them or close TypeShelf.

Export a specimen

Export specimen saves an HTML document that references fonts on this PC. Open it in a browser and print to PDF. Font files are not embedded. TTC collection faces carry an export limitation notice; use a standalone TTF or OTF for browser specimens.

Manage installed fonts

Open Manage fonts or choose Manage this font in the specimen pane. An imported desktop font can be installed permanently for your Windows user. TypeShelf can uninstall a per-user copy after confirmation and keeps a copy in its library. Windows system fonts open in Windows Fonts settings. A TTC operation affects every face in that file.