Font Book export: Font couldn't be copied because item with same name already exists?

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Level 2

194 points

Font Book export: Font couldn't be copied because item with same name already exists?

I just got a new MacBook and want to set up the same fonts that I have set up on my iMac. I opened Font Book and used the Export option, and set up a folder for the export that was empty. But I keep getting messages like this saying a font file couldn't be copied because an item with the same name already exists.

But the item doesn't already exist in the "Active Fonts" folder because it was empty before I started the export. Unfortunately, the export function just stops and not all the fonts are exported, so, I have an incomplete folder of export fonts. If I simply do another export, then it chooses a different font that it can't export.

Every single time I use the Export function, it's always a different font that it can't copy because it claims the file already exists. Why is Font Book doing this and how to I make the export function actually work?

iMac 24″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Mar 20, 2023 12:18 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 21, 2023 5:53 PM in response to Tom H.

Hi Tom H.,

For help with removing duplicate fonts, test the steps below found in the article here: Install and validate fonts in Font Book on Mac

"Resolve duplicate fonts

Font Book automatically checks for duplicates when you install a font, and shows a message if the font is already installed. You can choose whether to keep both versions, skip font installation, or replace the existing font with the new font.

You can also check for duplicate fonts manually.

In the Font Book app on your Mac, choose File > Resolve Duplicates.
Click an option:

Resolve Automatically: Font Book deactivates duplicates or moves them to the Trash, depending on the option selected in Font Book settings.
Resolve Manually: Continue to the next step to review and handle duplicates yourself.

Examine the duplicates and their copies, then select a copy to keep.
The copy that Font Book recommends keeping is labeled “Active” and is selected. To review other copies, select one.
Click Resolve This Duplicate or, if there’s more than one duplicate, Resolve All Duplicates.
If you want the inactive copies to go in the Trash, select “Resolve duplicates by moving duplicate font files to the Trash.”"

You may also need to change or check your install settings with the help of the guide here: Change Font Book settings on Mac

If the issue continues boot to safe mode and test. The article here can assist if needed: How to use safe mode on your Mac

Best.

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Answer 2

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Mar 22, 2023 7:41 AM in response to Tom H.

Hello Tom H.

Did the same thing occur in safe mode?

If it did, please contact Apple Support for more help.

Contact Apple Support

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Tom H. Author

Level 2

194 points

Mar 21, 2023 6:57 PM in response to OrigamiFan1

Hi, thanks for your help. I tried to do the Resolve Duplicates, but it's not working. I get this screen when I choose Resolve Manually:

When I click on Resolve This Duplicate nothing happens. I've clicked it multiple times, but, nothing happens. If I click on the right arrow next to "Duplicated font 1 of 4" to go to the next font, when I click Resolve This Duplicate on that one, it just takes me back to the duplicated font 1 of 4 and nothing else happens.

If I try Resolve Automatically, nothing happens. None of the duplicated fonts are removed.

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Font Book export: Font couldn't be copied because item with same name already exists?

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