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TTF vs OTF vs WOFF2: which font format should you use?

The short answer: TTF or OTF for your computer and apps, WOFF2 for websites. Here's what the difference actually is — and when it matters.

Updated · 5 min read

When you download a font you often get several files with different extensions. They all contain the same letters — the difference is how the outlines are stored and where the file is meant to be used. Here's the quick version:

FormatBest forWorks in
TTF (TrueType)Installing on any computer or deviceWindows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, Cricut, Canva, Procreate, Office
OTF (OpenType CFF)Print and design workWindows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Adobe apps, Affinity, Canva, Procreate, Office
WOFF2WebsitesAll modern web browsers (via CSS @font-face)
WOFFWebsites (older format)Web browsers — superseded by WOFF2

TTF (TrueType Font)

TrueType was created by Apple in the late 1980s and quickly adopted by Microsoft, which is why it's supported absolutely everywhere. TTF files describe letter outlines with quadratic curves and can include hinting instructions that help small text look crisp on low-resolution screens.

If you're unsure which file to install, pick TTF — it's the most compatible choice for desktop apps, mobile apps and craft machines.

OTF (OpenType Font)

OpenType was developed by Microsoft and Adobe as the successor to TrueType. An .otf file usually stores outlines as cubic curves in the CFF format (the same kind of curves you draw in Illustrator), which some designers prefer for print work.

A common myth is that only OTF supports advanced typography. In fact, OpenType features — ligatures, contextual alternates, kerning — can live in both .ttf and .otf files. What matters is whether the font includes those features and whether your app supports them.

WOFF and WOFF2 (Web Open Font Format)

WOFF and WOFF2 are compressed packages of the same font data, designed for the web. WOFF2 uses Brotli compression and is typically around 30% smaller than WOFF, so pages load faster. Every modern browser supports WOFF2, which makes it the only web format most sites need today.

WOFF files aren't meant to be installed on your computer — use TTF or OTF for that. To use a web font, reference it from your CSS:

@font-face { font-family: "My Handwriting"; src: url("/fonts/my-handwriting.woff2") format("woff2"); font-display: swap; }

Which format should you choose?

  • Word, Pages and Cricut Design Space: TTF.
  • Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Affinity: OTF or TTF — both work; OTF is a good default for print.
  • Canva and Procreate: TTF or OTF.
  • Your website or blog: WOFF2.
  • Sending a font to a friend: TTF, because it works everywhere.

Need to switch formats? Our free font converter turns TTF, OTF, WOFF and WOFF2 into each other right in your browser, and the font viewer shows every character in a file before you install it.

Frequently asked questions

Is OTF better than TTF?

Not in general. Both formats can hold the same OpenType features. OTF (CFF outlines) is popular for print design, while TTF is the most compatible choice for everyday use. If an app accepts both, either works.

Can I install a WOFF2 file on my computer?

Not directly — WOFF2 is a web format. Convert it to TTF or OTF first, for example with our free font converter, and check that the font's license allows it.

Which format does Cricut Design Space use?

Cricut Design Space uses the fonts installed on your computer, so install the TTF (or OTF) version first and restart Design Space. See how to add fonts to Cricut Design Space.

Calligraphr, FontCraft, FontCrafter, YourFonts, iFontMaker, Fontself, FontForge, Cricut, Canva, Procreate and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Dearfont is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Prices and features were checked on each product's website on the date shown and may change.

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