System Fonts Viewer: Security & Privacy FAQ

Is it safe to allow this website to see my fonts?

Yes. Our secure server has HTTPS Protection, which ensures the code hasn't been tampered with by hackers or ISPs. Also the System Fonts Viewer website is sandboxed, meaning it is trapped inside your browser tab. It cannot access your personal files, photos, documents, or passwords.

Can this Font Viewer tool install anything or delete my files?

No. The tool uses a read-only API (Application Programming Interface). It is strictly a look but don't touch permission; it cannot run programs, delete data, or change anything on your hard drive.

Why does my browser ask for permission via the "Allow" button?

Browsers like Chrome and Edge require a one-time OK to protect your privacy. Clicking Allow ensures that you are the Gatekeeper and that no website can scan your system information without you knowing.

What data are you actually seeing?

When you click Allow, the app only retrieves a list of the font names installed on your device, such as Arial or Helvetica. We do not see your browsing history, location, or personal identity.

Is my font list uploaded to a server?

No. Your font data stays within your browser. It is not uploaded to our servers or shared with any third parties.

Why doesn't this work in Firefox or Safari?

To read and display your locally installed fonts, this utility utilizes a modern web standard called the Local Font Access API (window.queryLocalFonts).

Because this API interacts directly with the system's font folder, browser developers approach its implementation differently:

  1. Chromium-based Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera): These browsers fully support the API. They manage privacy by prompting you for explicit permission (Allow website to see font names?) before revealing any data. The process remains 100% local to your machine.
  2. Mozilla Firefox & Apple Safari: These browsers currently block this API entirely. Their development teams have chosen not to implement it to protect against browser fingerprinting (see below).
  3. Mobile Devices (iOS & Android): Mobile operating systems tightly sandbox their file structures, meaning font scanning is restricted to desktop environments only.

If you are using Firefox or Safari, we recommend opening our System Fonts Viewer inside Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to browse your system's typography.

What is the risk of Browser Fingerprinting?

Historically, a unique list of fonts could be used by advertisers to identify your device. While this is a concern for those requiring 100% total anonymity (like high-stakes whistleblowers), it is considered a low-risk feature for 99.9% of users.

I'm still concerned about security/privacy issues using this tool.
What do I do?

No worries - there are alternative methods of finding out the full names of all fonts installed on your computer. They are just not as convenient. These include:

  1. Using Shotcut's Text: Simple filter dialogue box.
  2. (Windows) - Typing "Fonts" in the Windows Start Search text field. This gives you a list of fonts installed on your computer. However, this method does not allow you to copy and paste the font-names - you have to remember them precisely.

More methods and information can be found on the Anitype main page.
Simply click the About Custom Fonts or Help > Full Instructions links on the top-right corner.