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WOFF vs WOFF2
WOFF and WOFF2 are formats for delivering fonts on the web. WOFF2 is newer and can reduce transfer size, but browser coverage, existing environments, and licensing still guide the choice.
Which format should you choose?
For new web font delivery, consider WOFF2 first; retain WOFF when compatibility requirements or an existing environment call for it.
Good fit for WOFF
Serve fonts on websites
- Existing WOFF-compatible web font workflows
Good fit for WOFF2
Serve fonts on websites
- Reducing web font transfer size for supported browsers
Basic information
| Field | WOFF | WOFF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .woff | .woff2 |
| MIME type | font/woff | font/woff2 |
| Common uses | Serve fonts on websites | Serve fonts on websites |
| How to open | Load it through CSS in a browser or inspect it with a font-aware tool. | Load through CSS in a browser or inspect with a font-aware tool. |
| Export or convert | When generating from TTF or OTF, verify font license, character coverage, file size, and rendering; consider WOFF2 for supported browsers. | Generate from TTF or OTF with a compatible tool; verify license, included glyphs, file size, and rendering after conversion. |
Choose by use case
Existing WOFF-compatible web font workflows
Serve fonts on websites
WOFFReducing web font transfer size for supported browsers
Serve fonts on websites
WOFF2Key point 1
Both are web-font delivery formats, not replacements for desktop font files in every workflow.
More on the differencesKey point 2
WOFF2 uses a newer specification and compression approach that can reduce transfer size.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check target-browser support and the font license, then test loading and rendering. A fallback may be needed for older environments; optimize only formats that the audience can use.
- WOFF and WOFF2 package fonts for web delivery.
- WOFF2 often yields smaller transfers, though actual savings depend on the font.
- Neither extension grants permission to embed or redistribute a font; confirm its license.
Frequently asked questions
Should I serve both WOFF and WOFF2?
That depends on your browser-support requirements; WOFF2 can be the primary choice, with WOFF as a fallback if needed.