diff --git a/notes/pages/CHANGELOG.md b/notes/pages/CHANGELOG.md
index ec2114b0f..58c18fb8d 100644
--- a/notes/pages/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/notes/pages/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ id:: 6568dc88-ce84-4f46-b490-43768c491a2b
 		- This may help to process more [[AutoCAD]] files by the [[ezdxf.xref]] module, but can also make DXF docments unreadable for [[AutoCAD]].
 	- BUGFIX: find [[ProxyGraphic]] in [[ACAD_PROXY_ENTITY]] for any DXF version
 		- issue [#978](https://github.com/mozman/ezdxf/issues/978)
+	- CHANGE: use system default font in [[drawing add-on]]
 	-
 - ## Version 1.1.3 - 2023-11-25
   id:: 65604fb6-9254-4146-abb1-4e93f6adfddc
diff --git a/src/ezdxf/addons/drawing/designer.py b/src/ezdxf/addons/drawing/designer.py
index 09c33d742..45be7b2e6 100644
--- a/src/ezdxf/addons/drawing/designer.py
+++ b/src/ezdxf/addons/drawing/designer.py
@@ -142,6 +142,11 @@ def __init__(self, backend: BackendInterface):
         self.backend = backend
         self.config = Configuration()
         self.pattern_cache: dict[PatternKey, Sequence[float]] = dict()
+        try:  # request default font face
+            self.default_font_face = fonts.font_manager.get_font_face("")
+        except fonts.FontNotFoundError:  # no default font found
+            # last resort MonospaceFont which renders only "tofu"
+            pass
         self.clipper = ClippingRect()
         self.current_vp_scale = 1.0
         self._current_entity_handle: str = ""