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How to replace a font in /System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/ with a newer version?

In macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 I want to replace the NotoSansBrahmi-Regular.ttf font (v.2.000, 2020) which is in /System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/ with the current version of that font, NotoSansBrahmi-Regular.ttf font (v.2.004, 2024), which has been improved. The old font cannot be deleted from that folder, either by dragging or by ⌘-delete. Nor can the newer version be dragged into the folder to replace the old version. I tried disabling System Integrity Protection, but that didn't help; the folder contents are still impervious to change. Does anyone know a way to do this? 

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jan 5, 2025 6:35 PM

3 replies

Jan 6, 2025 7:49 AM in response to HandyMac

Since Big Sur, the System folder and everything in it is completely untouchable. You cannot remove, or add anything to that folder or its subfolders. And beginning with Ventura, you can no longer disable even the mostly useless fonts in the Supplemental folder (I still don't understand that one).


You can try adding your updated font, but if the internal names are the same, this will create a font conflict. Then what happens is a bit random. A given app may continue to list the System installed font. It may show the one you added. Most times, the app will show neither since it can't know which one you're trying to use.

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How to replace a font in /System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/ with a newer version?

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