Finding the right calligraphy font for your needs can be a hard and arduous task.
They are either too decorative and flashy for your simple designs or too simple and modern for your formal designs.
Calligraphy fonts have many uses and are best paired with a simple body font for balance. Use them sparingly so you don’t overpower your designs, or break the rules and see what you can create.
This collection of 60 free calligraphy fonts has all your bases covered, from romantic and feminine swirls to masculine bold monoline fonts that will add character to any design.
In the article below, we have found 60 of the best free calligraphy fonts to download and use to bring charm to your designs.
Classic brush style calligraphy font with elegant and dramatic Caps. The short ascenders and descenders are uncommon in calligraphy fonts, making Alex Brush one of the most legible classic styles.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Alex Brush font: Weekday Adventures Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Feminine flowing typeface with a casual handwritten feel that is diverse in its potential uses. It is simple and legible and is perfect for package design and as a display typeface.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Allura font: Pink Flower Summer Quotes Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
The varying bold and thin strokes of Arizonia make it a great eye catching typeface. It includes many interesting characters such as the lowercase z, and a subtle Arabian influence which give it character.
Download at: Fontsc(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Arizonia font: Purple August Celebrant Birthday Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A simple modern handwritten style font that is perfect for when you want to add a personal touch without being overly formal. The varying thick and thin strokes are what gives the font its character.
Download at: Free Design Resources(opens in a new tab or window).
A modern, monoline typeface that is clean and unpretentious making it great for any feminine or masculine design purposes.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Black Jack font: Simple Floral Image Spring Quotes Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
This vintage inspired font is thick and playful. Perfect for eye catching headers that require a lot of character.
Download at: Mighty Deals(opens in a new tab or window).
A classic condensed font with varying thick and thin strokes that can be used across a variety of projects.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
This realistic yet charming brush script with varied thick and thin smooth strokes is sure to add character to you designs. Perfect for when you need to inject a personal touch and a hand drawn effect.
Download at: Creative Booster(opens in a new tab or window).
A bold monoline cursive font that comes with many OpenType Features for creating interesting ligatures and variations.
Download at: Font Fabric(opens in a new tab or window).
An elegant classical display font that is very legible. This font is very versatile and timeless in its design and is great for traditional and formal applications.
Download at: Font Meme.(opens in a new tab or window)
A classic feminine font with dainty thin strokes. Best used for large to medium sizes of text and would be perfect for headings or on invitations(opens in a new tab or window).
Download at: Dafont(opens in a new tab or window).
This font based on brush calligraphy and inspired by 1950s style is very approachable. As it is not overly decorative, Cookie is very versatile and capture attention in a non-aggressive manner.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
1001 Fonts
A tall and classic calligraphy font that will add a touch of elegance to any design. Great for short lines of text.
Download at: Dafont(opens in a new tab or window).
A lively modern casual font with big caps that go below the baseline. Dancing Script is a great option for adding a friendly and stylish look to your designs. Perfect to include in various greeting cards such as thank you cards(opens in a new tab or window), birthday cards, anniversary cards, and more to elevate your message with sophistication and charm.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Dancing Script font: All-Day Breakfast Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
This thick stroked font is sure to draw attention and add character with its structured and industrial design.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
This font is inspired by early hand lettering styles and will inject an exoctic feel to your work. The unusual ligatures and extremely varied stroke widths make Dr Sugiyama a font that your audience will remember. Make sure to use this font sparingly so as not to over complicate your designs.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Dr Sugiyama font: Modern Artist Feature Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A casual and playful calligraphy font with unconnected letters that make it highly legible and perfectly suited for titles and short lines of text, especially those related to food or fashion.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This monoline font with a retro feel would be perfect for branding and headings. Retro style fonts are very popular and pair well with an elegant serif font or minimal sans serif font to create high impact designs.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A unique and curly font that is a good choice for adding a formal and elegant feel to any design. The graceful flowing forms are sure to entice your audience.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A quirky and fun font that features the flow of real handwriting. The uneven letters give the font its character. Perfect for when you want to add a personal touch without the hassle of scanning in your own handwriting.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Related article: 50 free stylish fonts to bring a touch of elegance to any design(opens in a new tab or window)
Here's an example of a template using the Give You Glory font: Blush Peach Photo Birthday Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Something a bit different, this gothic and medieval inspired font comes with many weights and is sure to add character and a traditional feel to your work.
Download at: Fontsc(opens in a new tab or window).
An uneven handwritten font with realistic imperfections and a chunky stroke width is packed full of character that will make your work stand out.
Download at: Dafont(opens in a new tab or window).
A condensed upright connecting script with a classic vibe to it. This font would pair well with a minimal sans serif font to create powerful engaging designs. It’s monoline weight is perfect for high legibility.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Grand Hotel font: Blue Illustrations Birthday Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A beautifully clean flowing connecting script with heavy strokes and dramatic caps. The elegant feel of the looping ascenders and descenders make this font great for attention grabbing titles.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
A traditional and elegant font with a vintage feel. This unique font is a serious competitor against its paid counterparts, and would be a suitable substitute for when real handwriting is required or needed to add character.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This font mimics real handwriting and is quite childlike in its design. Homemade Apple would definitely add charm and character to your designs especially those involving food or families.
Download at: FontSpace(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Homemade Apple font: White Flatlay Mother's Day Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A casual handwritten font with clean and elegant strokes. This approachable font will add character and personality to any branding projects.
Download at: Jenna Sue design(opens in a new tab or window).
This rustic and unrefined calligraphy font is optimized for smaller sizes making it the perfect web font. The imperfections of Kaushan Script give it its character that is sure to add impact to your work.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Kaushan Script font: Blue Border Quote Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A traditional blackletter font with a modern twist that makes it great for adding a classic feel while still remaining casual.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This casual and unique font features tall ascenders and descenders with slim uneven strokes. Best used at a large size such as a heading or logotype for maximum impact. Kristi is bound to add a personal feel to any design.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Related article: 9 terrific font pairs for you to try(opens in a new tab or window)
A very realistic calligraphic font with wobbly lines and imperfections that give it character and a personal touch. The thick and thin variations make it perfect for headings and short lines of text.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This font mimics cursive lettering practice worksheets making it playful and friendly. The modern style makes it very legible and flexible.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
A thick and bold font with irregular brushstrokes will add serious character and charm to your work. The unique chunky loops connect each letter making it readable and polished.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A very simple and romantic thin monoline font perfect for adding a feminine touch to your designs.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
The bold condensed letters of Lobster font alongside its many ligature options make it a very versatile and popular font.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Lobster font: Colorful Photos Plain Collage Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A hand drawn style monoline font with a small X height and tall ascenders and descenders. This font is great for feminine and children-orientated designs with its curly and dainty calligraphy style.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Inspired by the creator’s girlfriend and her handwriting this font is very romantic and personal. Not intended for long pieces of text this light and simple font with tall ascenders and descenders is perfect for small amounts of text.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A sweeping calligraphy font with varied stroke widths gives the feeling of joy and elegance. The upright handwritten polished style makes it perfect for display uses that require a bit of added flair. It is best suited for large text sizes for high impact.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
An intricate and simple classic calligraphy font that will add character to your designs without detracting from other elements. The connected letters give added legibility.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A casual monoline script font with a touch of vintage is the perfect calligraphy font to be used for any informal uses where high legibility is required.
Download at: Font Fabric(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Nickainley font: Blue Beach Photo Summer Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Inspired by vintage typefaces, this calligraphy font has beautifully flowing lines, thick strokes and 12 degree slant making it a very versatile and androgynous font.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A casual bold calligraphy font with flowing and legible non connected lines, Oleo Script, available in bold and regular, can be used in many situations where a modern and trendy feel is required.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Oleo font: White Father's Day Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Inspired by 1950s American surf culture, this modern brush script is the perfect solution for a bold and engaging calligraphy font
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
A casual take on the more formal calligraphy fonts, Parisienne has a free spirited feel to it with its connecting letterforms and swirly dramatic caps.
Download at: FontSpace(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Parisienne font: Simple White Texts Beach Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
This romantic, round hand calligraphy font is both friendly and dramatic and lends well when a formal tone is required.
Download at: FontSpace(opens in a new tab or window).
Inspired by American sporting calligraphy, this connecting font is very bold, masculine and athletic making it perfect for festive informal and sporting occasions.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
A contemporary calligraphy font with a feminine feel and decorative swirly letterforms, Qwigly Regular is great for when a touch of elegance is needed.
Download at: Fontsc(opens in a new tab or window).
Although not as traditionally calligraphic as the others, this font still nods to vintage calligraphy styles with its thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes. The Art Deco inspired font is very unique and eye catching and is great for adding a subtle calligraphy effect to your work.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
Inspired by early Victorian and Art Deco calligraphy Rochester is perfect classic font for adding class and style to your work. The upright connected letterforms are legible and modest that give it a timeless character.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
This casual monoline semi-connected calligraphy font is inspired by hand-lettering of the 1950s and 1960s and is perfectly suited for headings.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Related article: 60 free fonts for minimalist designs(opens in a new tab or window)
Here's an example of a template using the Sacramento font: Photo Adventure Script Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Satisfy has a timeless classic look with a modern flair. The semi connected letterforms provide a personal touch of realistic handwriting.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Inspired by the lettering of commemorative plates, Sevillana is a friendly and curly headline typeface that is best suited for medium to large sizes.
Download at: Fontsc(opens in a new tab or window).
A beautiful upright script font that is both inviting and unique. The high legibility and unconventional ligatures of this font make it very versatile.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This traditional calligraphy font inspired by italic chancery hands from the 16th and 17th Century is great for headings at large sizes when a formal feel is need.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Tangerine font: Cream Simple Coffee Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
Another bold traditional blackletter font that is sure to add some serious character to your work. This style is perfect for formal designs that require a certain traditional flair.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
This clean handwritten style font is the perfect simple solution for adding a touch of class and character to your designs without over complicating them.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Based off real handwriting, this curvy monolined font is a great modern way of incorporating calligraphy into your work.
Download at: 1001 Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Windsong is and elongated dramatic script font with eye catching and free flowing ligatures and swooshes.
Download at: Font Squirrel(opens in a new tab or window).
This old school styled flat brush script is a mix of connecting and unconnecting letterforms make it easily readable. Reminiscent of sign painter scripts, this modern interpretation is perfect for adding character to a variety of design purposes.
Download at: 1001 Free Fonts(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Yellowtail font: Father's Day Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
A flat nib connecting script font with a vintage feel, Yesteryear is neither overtly masculine or feminine which opens up a wide array of uses in your designs.
Download at: FontSpace(opens in a new tab or window).
Here's an example of a template using the Yesteryear font: Black and Yellow Breakfast Food Instagram Post(opens in a new tab or window)
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