CachyOS Quick Tips #1: Change System Fonts

Coming from Windows, where you just double-click a .ttf and hit “Install”, Linux makes you do a tiny bit more. Here’s the quick way to install fonts system-wide on CachyOS.

Step 1: Copy the font files

Create a directory for the font family and copy the files:

sudo mkdir -p /usr/share/fonts/JetBrainsMono
sudo cp *.ttf /usr/share/fonts/JetBrainsMono/

Replace JetBrainsMono with whatever font you’re installing. The directory name doesn’t technically matter, but keeping it organized helps later.

Step 2: Rebuild the font cache

sudo fc-cache -fv

-f forces a re-scan even if the cache seems up-to-date. -v shows verbose output so you can confirm your new font directory was picked up.

Step 3: Verify

fc-list | grep "JetBrains"

If your font shows up, you’re good. Head to System Settings → Fonts in CachyOS and your new font will be available in all the dropdowns.

Per-user install (no sudo)

If you don’t want to install fonts system-wide, copy them to ~/.local/share/fonts/ instead and run fc-cache -fv without sudo. Only your user account will have access to the font.