Monotype's AI Search lets designers find fonts by describing a mood
Font hunting usually steals hours. Monotype's new AI Search gives that time back by letting you type what you feel-then surfacing typefaces that match it across 250,000+ fonts from 4,500+ foundry partners.
Instead of drilling through categories and tags, you write prompts in natural language. The system interprets mood, tone, and brand traits, then returns a curated set of options with instant previews and explanations for why each pick fits.
What it does
- Conversational search: describe the vibe, use case, or brand personality in plain language.
- Context-aware results: recommendations reflect licensing availability and platform inventory.
- Instant previews: evaluate faster without bouncing between tabs or tools.
- Semantic reasoning: see why a font matches your prompt, not just that it does.
"Finding the right font shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. AI Search changes the creative workflow for the better," said Mike Matteo, Chief Typography Officer at Monotype. "We've built a more intelligent system that understands how creatives think and speak -- in moods, emotions, and intent."
Why this matters for your workflow
Choosing a typeface can stall momentum. Monotype's research shows teams can reclaim up to 35% of creative time by streamlining selection. Among organizations using AI and automation, 62% reported boosts in efficiency and creativity.
Typography also carries outsized weight. Eighty-two percent of creatives rank it in their top three decisions, and 85% say a distinctive font is critical to brand identity.
How to get value fast
- Start with intent: "confident, premium, editorial," or "friendly, tech-forward, UI labels."
- Add constraints: "high legibility for mobile," "pairs with a geometric sans," or "works at billboard scale."
- Bring brand traits: "heritage with a modern twist," "playful but trustworthy," "quiet luxury."
- Iterate: refine with feedback from the semantic explanations until the set feels right.
"Our AI Search is a powerful creative interpreter, leading the next era of search and discovery beyond tags, genres, and jargon," said Terrance Weinzierl, Executive Creative Director at Monotype. "Being able to search by mood and emotion… will shorten and enhance the search process. It's search that speaks your language, turning vague ideas into precise font choices."
Availability and language support
AI Search is live on MyFonts in the US and UK, and within the Monotype Fonts platform with support for English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Where this could go next
Monotype plans to extend AI Search into creative applications, design tools, and broader digital workflows. That means the same prompt-driven discovery could sit closer to your canvas, further reducing context switching.
For creatives who want a faster font process
If typography decisions are a bottleneck, this is a practical way to move from concept to execution with fewer clicks and clearer intent. Use it to explore directions, validate your instincts, and shortlist type that actually fits the brief.
Want more ways to integrate AI into your creative process? Explore AI for Creatives.
What do you think about AI-powered font search tools? Let us know in the comments.
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