diff --git a/src/build123d/direct_api.py b/src/build123d/direct_api.py
index 1122651..708af9c 100644
--- a/src/build123d/direct_api.py
+++ b/src/build123d/direct_api.py
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ TODO:
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
+import os
+import sys
 from math import pi, sqrt, inf, radians
 import warnings
 import logging
@@ -3972,6 +3974,10 @@ class Compound(Shape, Mixin3D):
                 wire_angle,
             )
 
+        if sys.platform.startswith("linux"):
+            os.environ["FONTCONFIG_FILE"] = "/etc/fonts/fonts.conf"
+            os.environ["FONTCONFIG_PATH"] = "/etc/fonts/"
+
         font_kind = {
             FontStyle.REGULAR: Font_FA_Regular,
             FontStyle.BOLD: Font_FA_Bold,