Core guide · Font technology
TTF vs OTF vs WOFF vs WOFF2
Choose the correct desktop or web font format without unnecessary conversions.
Use TTF or OTF for desktop installation. Use WOFF2 for modern websites, with WOFF only when older browser support is genuinely required.
Desktop formats
TTF and OTF are installable formats used by operating systems and design applications. Either can contain high-quality outlines and OpenType features. The extension alone does not tell you whether one font is better drawn or more complete than another.
Web formats
WOFF and WOFF2 package fonts for delivery through a website. WOFF2 normally produces smaller files and is the preferred modern format. A webfont licence is still required; converting a desktop font does not create permission to embed it online.
- TTF: common desktop compatibility
- OTF: desktop format with OpenType capabilities
- WOFF2: preferred modern web delivery
- WOFF: legacy web fallback
Avoid unnecessary conversion
Conversion can remove metadata, hinting, colour information or layout features if the tool is unsuitable. Download an authorised web package from the official source whenever possible and verify the resulting file before publication.
This guide explains general font practice and the permissions displayed by Font Trust. The complete licence attached to a specific font remains the controlling text.