Free alternatives to Plantin

The closest free alternatives to Plantin are Crimson Pro and EB Garamond, old-style book serifs. Source Serif 4 is sturdier on screens.

  • 5 free alternatives
  • Free for commercial use
  • Updated November 2026

At a glance

FontMatchWeightsItalicsBest for
Crimson ProClose match200 to 900YesBooks and long reads
EB GaramondClose match400 to 800YesBooks and classic editorial
Source Serif 4Similar feel200 to 900YesReports and editorial
PT SerifSimilar feel400 to 700YesSmall sizes
Libre Caslon TextSimilar feel400 to 700YesEditorial body text

The 5 best free alternatives

Same widths: drawn to the same letter widths, so nothing reflows. Close match: nearest look. Similar feel: same mood, different details.

  1. Crimson Pro

    Close match

    Best alternative

    A classic book serif with weights from 200 to 900 and italics.

  2. EB Garamond

    Close match

    A Garamond based on Claude Garamond's own type, with weights from 400 to 800 and italics.

  3. Source Serif 4

    Similar feel

    A modern serif with weights from 200 to 900, italics and optical sizes.

  4. PT Serif

    Similar feel

    A sturdy serif with regular, bold and italics. Holds up at small sizes.

  5. Libre Caslon Text

    Similar feel

    A Caslon made for body text on the web, regular and bold with italics.

Pair it with

Curated pairings that use these alternatives.

About Plantin

Plantin was released by Monotype in 1913, based on 16th-century types used by the printer Christophe Plantin.

Designed by
Monotype, 1913
License
Paid
Best free match
Crimson Pro
See Plantin on Fontpair

Questions about Plantin

Is Plantin free?

No. Plantin needs a paid license for websites, apps and commercial work.

What is the closest free font to Plantin?

The closest free alternatives to Plantin are Crimson Pro and EB Garamond, old-style book serifs.

Is Plantin on Google Fonts?

No. Crimson Pro, EB Garamond and Source Serif 4 are the closest Plantin-style fonts on Google Fonts.

What font pairs well with Crimson Pro?

Crimson Pro pairs well with League Spartan, Crimson Pro or Crimson Text.

More font alternatives

See all