Compare
TTF vs OTF
TTF and OTF are font file extensions used on desktops and in creative work. Under modern OpenType specifications, a TTF file can also be an OpenType font, so the extension alone does not determine its capabilities.
Which format should you choose?
Choose based on the specific font, apps, character coverage, and license you need; OTF is not automatically more capable than TTF.
Good fit for TTF
Install fonts in compatible systems and apps
- Desktop documents and design workflows
Good fit for OTF
Install fonts for documents and design
- Workflows using supported OpenType features
Basic information
| Field | TTF | OTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .ttf | .otf |
| MIME type | font/ttf | font/otf |
| Common uses | Install fonts in compatible systems and apps | Install fonts for documents and design |
| How to open | Preview in a font manager or compatible design application before installing. | Preview in a compatible font manager or design application and test the needed characters and features. |
| Export or convert | When creating WOFF2, verify license terms, included glyphs, rendering, and target browser support. | For web delivery, generate WOFF2 only if licensed; verify glyph coverage, layout, and browser rendering. |
Choose by use case
Desktop documents and design workflows
Install fonts in compatible systems and apps
TTFWorkflows using supported OpenType features
Install fonts for documents and design
OTFKey point 1
The extensions can reflect different outline technologies or implementation choices.
More on the differencesKey point 2
Access to advanced typography depends on the font and application, not just the filename extension.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Test the exact font in the target applications and verify required glyphs and license terms. Treat TTF versus OTF as a clue about packaging, not a universal quality ranking.
- TTF and OTF may use different outline representations and implementations.
- Features such as ligatures and stylistic sets depend on both the font's tables and application support.
- Modern OpenType fonts can use the .ttf extension, so extension alone cannot establish feature support.
Frequently asked questions
Is OTF always better than TTF?
No. Capabilities depend on the particular font and software; compare the features and compatibility you actually need.