Format Atlas

Guides

Choosing a Web Font Format

WOFF2 is the first candidate for browser delivery. TTF and OTF are often used in desktop or production workflows; check the license and character coverage.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Browser delivery → WOFF2
  • Production and installation → TTF or OTF
  • Check the license and target browser

Separate delivery from production

WOFF2 is compressed for the web. TTF and OTF commonly serve desktop and creative applications. Choose by destination rather than ranking the extensions.

Formats to consider

WOFF2

Good for: Serving a font to browsers

Less suitable for: Direct operating system installation

TTF

Good for: Desktop and application font use

Less suitable for: Web delivery as the sole goal

OTF

Good for: Production with verified font features

Less suitable for: Assuming features from the extension alone

Before you export

  • Check permission before redistributing, converting, or subsetting fonts.
  • Verify required characters and browser rendering before delivery.

Related comparisons

TTF vs WOFF2TTF is a TrueType font file commonly installed on desktops and used by applications. WOFF2 is a compressed format designed for web font delivery. Choose for where the font will be used and check its license.TTF vs OTFTTF 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.

Guides

Choose a web image formatDecide what kind of image you are serving and which browsers and tools must support it before choosing a web format.Checking missing glyphs and fallbacks in web-font deliveryVerify converted or subset fonts against delivery settings and actual rendered text, including failures hidden by fallback fonts.

References and specifications