Choose a system or GIMP-specific installation
GIMP’s 3.0 manual explains that fonts in Fontconfig’s font path and GIMP’s configured Font Folders are available to the application. Use a system installation if several design applications need the family. Use a personal GIMP font folder when the resource is intended for your GIMP workflow.
Use the operating system’s font tools
The manual documents Windows Settings > Personalization > Fonts, macOS Font Book and Linux font-installation applications. On Linux it also identifies ~/.local/share/fonts/ for a user’s fonts. Follow the appropriate Windows, Mac or Linux guide rather than copying a path from another operating system.
Refresh the running application
Installed fonts appear when GIMP next starts. For an already running instance, the manual documents the Refresh button in the Fonts dialog. Font Folders can be configured in the Folders preferences; leave the system GIMP fonts directory unchanged and use the personal folder or an added folder.
Keep the resource identifiable
Record the family, style and file source with the image project. A file’s download name may differ from the name shown in a font menu. If an old or damaged file causes trouble, return to its official supplier rather than making repeated renamed copies. Keep an editable text layer while choosing the lettering.
Your questions, answered.
Must I restart GIMP after installing a font?
You can restart, or use the Fonts dialog’s Refresh button as documented by GIMP.
Should I modify GIMP’s system font folder?
The manual says not to alter that folder. Use the personal font folder or configure an additional one.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.