Get Started on the Desktop

import { CardGrid, LinkCard } from '@astrojs/starlight/components'

You can use Font Awesome icons on the desktop in design mockups, presentations, and elsewhere in your desktop applications.

We'll cover what files and directories are contained in the desktop-use version of Font Awesome and details of using ligature-based fonts and SVG.

What's in the Download?

Our Desktop-focused download contains the following directories and files:

Install the Ligature-based Font Files

Get up and running using ligatures to insert icons into your documents by first installing all of the styles you'd like to use. Here's a rundown of what font file corresponds to which Font Awesome style:

Classic

Duotone

Sharp

Sharp Duotone

Brands

Chisel

Etch

Jelly

Notdog

Slab

Thumbprint

Utility

Whiteboard

Kit-Based Custom Icons

If you're using a Font Awesome Kit and have added custom icons.

Font Awesome 7 fonts installed and being activated in Font Book on Mac OS X

Enable Ligatures

Many desktop programs have a setting for enabling ligatures. Most of the time, we find it's on by default, but if you're having trouble with ligatures, you might want to check that ligatures are turned on.

We have instructions for a few common applications listed below, but you should check the documentation for your specific program and version.

Adobe Creative Cloud

In Photoshop, you can toggle ligatures using the "fi" button in the Character palette. In Illustrator, you can find the "fi" button in the Open Type palette.

Enabling Font Awesome ligatures in Adobe Photoshop

Windows + Microsoft Office

To enable ligatures in Microsoft, open your font settings by hitting Ctrl-D. In the Advanced tab under Open Type Features, set ligatures to "All" and make sure the "Use contextual alternates" checkbox is checked. And make sure your document isn't in compatibility mode.

Enabling Font Awesome ligatures in Microsoft Office on Windows

Go Add Some Icons

Our icons are now ready to do your Desktop project's bidding. Learn how to add them to your project and then use their power to bring order and style to your designs!