Sending client fonts...

Hi there,

I have just finished a project and received final payment. My client would like me to send them PSD files for banners, buttons, Illustrator logo files, all of which is not a problem.

However, they would also like the font I used for the text on the banners. Its a font that was purchased and I'm pretty sure you can't just go sending fonts around the internet.

For that reason would I be out of line not sending it to the client if I explained this? Just wondered if anyone else had come across this issue.

Thanks,
Will

As you probably know, distributing fonts depends entirely on the licenses associated with them. If the license under which you purchased the font prohibits distribution (which it probably will) then you can't send it to the client; they will have to purchase their own license for the font. You can, of course, purchase the license on their behalf and include it in your invoice.

That said, there is a culture of ignoring theses licenses and just passing along the fonts regardless. I would choose the former but some people would be more than comfortable with the latter.

Ok Salathe, thanks for your reply.

I think I'm going to go down the first route.

It's probably worth putting this sort of thing in black and white at the beginning of the project.

We generally give our clients the psd, however it is their responsibility to have the fonts used.

Its a bit like buying a car, if you don't have a driving license.

Originally Posted by Tom Still It's probably worth putting this sort of thing in black and white at the beginning of the project. We generally give our clients the psd, however it is their responsibility to have the fonts used. Its a bit like buying a car, if you don't have a driving license.

Good point, but in this case, what do you say to the client? Tell him to buy (and download) the font himself, or say "Here's the font, but it's your responsibility to get the license for it?"

A little old and late of course. But, then don't design with fonts that most people don't have to begin with. Then these issues won't arise. That's like, forcing people to spend more money then they have for something.

Especially the way the current economy is, as well everyone's budget in general. Not every Joe Shmoe can just afford a $90 single font license or whatever. And all because a coder or designer decided to use this one font or whatever. Because THEY (designer or coder) liked it and used it.

Now it's time for the buyer to shell out $90 or so dollars for a license! Thanks designer or coder! Thanks a bunch! NOT!