fc-list: List available fonts installed on the system

“fc-list” is a command-line tool used to list the available fonts installed on a system. It provides a convenient way to retrieve information about the fonts that are accessible to applications and the operating system.

When you run the “fc-list” command, it scans the system’s font directories and retrieves details about the fonts installed in those directories. The tool gathers information such as the font family name, style, file path, and other metadata associated with each font.

The output of the “fc-list” command typically includes a list of fonts, each represented by its name and attributes. The font family name represents a group of fonts with similar characteristics, while the style refers to variations within that font family, such as regular, bold, italic, or different weights.

The information provided by “fc-list” can be useful for various purposes, including:

  • Font Identification: By listing the available fonts, “fc-list” allows you to identify specific fonts installed on the system. You can search for a particular font family or style and retrieve the associated font file path for further reference or usage.
  • Font Selection: When working with applications that allow font customization, “fc-list” helps you determine which fonts are available for selection. You can browse through the listed fonts and choose the appropriate one based on the desired style or characteristics.
  • Font Configuration: “fc-list” assists in font configuration tasks, such as setting default fonts for applications or configuring font rendering settings. By knowing the available fonts, you can make informed decisions regarding font preferences and configurations.

“fc-list” is commonly used in Unix-based operating systems like Linux, where font management is typically handled by the Fontconfig library. The tool leverages Fontconfig to access font-related information and provide it in a readable format through the command line.

It’s important to note that the fonts listed by “fc-list” are those that are accessible to applications utilizing Fontconfig. Some fonts may be installed on the system but not visible to applications if they are not registered correctly or located in directories that are not scanned by Fontconfig. Therefore, the absence of a font in the “fc-list” output does not necessarily mean it is not installed on the system.

fc-list Command Examples

1. Return a list of installed fonts in your system:

# fc-list

2. Return a list of installed fonts with given name:

# fc-list | grep 'DejaVu Serif'

3. Return the number of installed fonts in your system:

# fc-list | wc -l

Summary

In summary, “fc-list” is a command-line tool that lists the available fonts installed on a system. It retrieves font-related information, such as font family names, styles, and file paths, and presents it in a readable format. This tool assists in font identification, selection, and configuration tasks, making it useful for managing fonts on Unix-based operating systems.

Related Post