Sarathi Tamil is a popular, readable Tamil typeface used for web and print that supports modern OpenType features and extended Tamil character coverage. Below is a concise, actionable guide to downloading and using the Sarathi Tamil font.
Part 5: How to Type Using the Sarathi Font
Here is the biggest hurdle: After you download and install Sarathi, typing "namaste" in English will not produce Tamil. Because Sarathi is often non-Unicode, you need a Input Method Editor (IME) .
Part 7: Alternatives to Sarathi Tamil Font
If you are struggling with the non-Unicode complexities, consider these modern alternatives that offer a similar visual style but use Unicode (no special software needed): sarathi tamil font download
| Font Name | Style | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Latha | Clear, standard | MS Office documents |
| Bamini | Slightly rounded | Social media & web |
| Aruwei | Modern, elegant | Graphic design |
| Mylai | Traditional print | Books & newspapers |
If you absolutely need the Sarathi look but want Unicode compatibility, look for "Sarathi Unicode" — a rare but existent conversion done by community typographers. Sarathi Tamil Font Download Sarathi Tamil is a
How to Install Sarathi Font on Windows 10/11
Once you have the Sarathi.ttf file, follow these steps:
Extract the ZIP folder (if compressed).
Right-click on the Sarathi.ttf file.
Select "Install" from the context menu. (Alternatively, copy the file and paste it into Control Panel > Fonts or C:\Windows\Fonts).
Once installed, the font will appear in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Photoshop as "Sarathi".
What that means: Files typed in Sarathi will only display correctly on computers that have the Sarathi font installed. If you send a Sarathi document to someone without the font, they will see only gibberish or squares.
Modern Standard: Today, most websites and operating systems use Unicode Tamil fonts (like Bamini, Latha, or Nirmala UI). These work everywhere without special installation.
Recommendation: Use Sarathi only if you are maintaining legacy documents or your organization specifically requires it. For new projects, switch to a Unicode font.
Encoding (Critical)
Most legacy Tamil fonts (including potentially older versions of Sarathi) utilize a proprietary glyph mapping. This means typing 'a' on an English keyboard might produce a specific Tamil letter, rather than following the standard Unicode input method.
If the text appears as junk characters (garbled text): You likely need a specific keyboard layout or character map tool to type in this font correctly.
Unicode Compatibility: Check if the downloaded version is Unicode compliant. If it is, it will work with standard Windows Tamil keyboards (Inscript or Tamil 99).
5.2 Current Legal Status (2025)
No active commercial distribution exists.
The company (Murasu Systems) is defunct.
Legal opinion: Abandonware, but technically still copyright-protected (no explicit public domain release).
Tamil Nadu government has not adopted Sarathi for any official use since 2010 (Unicode now mandatory).
For Android & iOS:
Note: Installing system-wide fonts on mobile is complex. Instead, use apps like iFont (Android) or specific word processors that support custom fonts. Most mobile users rely on Unicode, so Sarathi may not render perfectly.
Sarathi Tamil Font Download
Sarathi Tamil is a popular, readable Tamil typeface used for web and print that supports modern OpenType features and extended Tamil character coverage. Below is a concise, actionable guide to downloading and using the Sarathi Tamil font.
Part 5: How to Type Using the Sarathi Font
Here is the biggest hurdle: After you download and install Sarathi, typing "namaste" in English will not produce Tamil. Because Sarathi is often non-Unicode, you need a Input Method Editor (IME) .
Part 7: Alternatives to Sarathi Tamil Font
If you are struggling with the non-Unicode complexities, consider these modern alternatives that offer a similar visual style but use Unicode (no special software needed):
| Font Name | Style | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Latha | Clear, standard | MS Office documents |
| Bamini | Slightly rounded | Social media & web |
| Aruwei | Modern, elegant | Graphic design |
| Mylai | Traditional print | Books & newspapers |
If you absolutely need the Sarathi look but want Unicode compatibility, look for "Sarathi Unicode" — a rare but existent conversion done by community typographers.
How to Install Sarathi Font on Windows 10/11
Once you have the Sarathi.ttf file, follow these steps:
Extract the ZIP folder (if compressed).
Right-click on the Sarathi.ttf file.
Select "Install" from the context menu. (Alternatively, copy the file and paste it into Control Panel > Fonts or C:\Windows\Fonts).
Once installed, the font will appear in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Photoshop as "Sarathi".
2. Historical & Technical Background
The Key Warning: Unicode vs. Non-Unicode
Before you click "download," understand this: Sarathi is a non-Unicode (TAB) font.
What that means: Files typed in Sarathi will only display correctly on computers that have the Sarathi font installed. If you send a Sarathi document to someone without the font, they will see only gibberish or squares.
Modern Standard: Today, most websites and operating systems use Unicode Tamil fonts (like Bamini, Latha, or Nirmala UI). These work everywhere without special installation.
Recommendation: Use Sarathi only if you are maintaining legacy documents or your organization specifically requires it. For new projects, switch to a Unicode font.
Encoding (Critical)
Most legacy Tamil fonts (including potentially older versions of Sarathi) utilize a proprietary glyph mapping. This means typing 'a' on an English keyboard might produce a specific Tamil letter, rather than following the standard Unicode input method.
If the text appears as junk characters (garbled text): You likely need a specific keyboard layout or character map tool to type in this font correctly.
Unicode Compatibility: Check if the downloaded version is Unicode compliant. If it is, it will work with standard Windows Tamil keyboards (Inscript or Tamil 99).
5.2 Current Legal Status (2025)
No active commercial distribution exists.
The company (Murasu Systems) is defunct.
Legal opinion: Abandonware, but technically still copyright-protected (no explicit public domain release).
Tamil Nadu government has not adopted Sarathi for any official use since 2010 (Unicode now mandatory).
For Android & iOS:
Note: Installing system-wide fonts on mobile is complex. Instead, use apps like iFont (Android) or specific word processors that support custom fonts. Most mobile users rely on Unicode, so Sarathi may not render perfectly.