Load custom font files (.ttf/.otf) for non-Latin scripts

AbdullahAlRakib

Diarium version: 3.2.9
Operating system: Android 15
Device model: Oneplus CE5

Hi Timo,

I've tried almost every journaling app out there, but I love Diarium the most because of its incredibly unique timeline features and automated context. Thank you for building such a brilliant app!

I would like to request the ability to load custom font files (.ttf or .otf) directly from local device storage to use for the app interface and editor.

I write my journal entries exclusively in the Bengali script. While the standard system fonts work, they don't always render non-Latin scripts elegantly. Being able to use a custom font would completely transform the visual experience, making native scripts beautifully readable and giving the journal a deeply personal aesthetic.

Thank you for considering this!

timo

Thanks for the request and the kind words!

On Android, Diarium currently uses a fixed list of fonts provided via Android/Google Fonts. Loading arbitrary local .ttf/.otf files would require additional handling and may not work reliably for the entire app UI, but I understand the use case, especially for Bengali and other non-Latin scripts.

A smaller first step could be adding one or more Bengali-compatible fonts to the Android font list. Do you have a specific font in mind, ideally one that is available through Google Fonts?

AbdullahAlRakib

timo

Thank you so much for the quick response! Adding a couple of native Bengali fonts from the Google Fonts catalog would be a perfect solution.
I highly recommend these two specific families, as they cover both modern and classic styles perfectly:

1. Baloo Da 2: A beautiful, modern, and clean sans-serif/rounded font. It's incredibly legible and excellent for general app UI and daily journal writing.
Google Fonts

2. Tiro Bangla: A stunning, traditional serif font designed for literature. It looks elegant for long-form reading and gives the journal a classic, literary feel.
Google Fonts

Having both a modern option and a traditional one would be amazing for Bengali users. Thank you again for your incredible support!

timo

Thanks for the suggestions!

The default font should already provide good system fallback for Bengali and other languages. The custom font list is more about giving users optional styles to make the journal feel more personal.

With that in mind, Baloo Da 2 may indeed be a good fit, because it has a more friendly/journal-like character while still supporting Latin characters. I’ll compare it with Noto Sans Bengali, but for this use case Baloo Da 2 might be the better first Bengali font to add.

Tiro Bangla also looks nice, but since it has fewer weights, it may be a less practical first choice for Diarium.

AbdullahAlRakib

timo
Thanks, Timo!
Agreed, Baloo Da 2 fits the journal aesthetic perfectly. Looking forward to seeing it in the app! Thanks Again.