Learn the differences between OTF and TTF fonts and how they impact your website design, performance, and compatibility. Discover the best practices for using these fonts on the web.
Introduction
Fonts are more than just text—they’re a vital part of your website’s design, branding, and user experience. If you’ve ever browsed font files, you’ve probably noticed two common formats: OTF (OpenType Font) and TTF (TrueType Font).
But what’s the difference? Which one should you use for your website?
This article breaks down the key differences between OTF and TTF fonts, how they perform on the web, and what you should consider when choosing the right format for your next design project.
What Are OTF and TTF Fonts?
TTF (TrueType Font)
Developed by Apple and Microsoft in the late 1980s, TTF is one of the most widely supported font formats. It contains both screen and printer font data in a single file, making it highly compatible across platforms.
OTF (OpenType Font)
OTF is a more modern format developed by Adobe and Microsoft. It builds on TTF, offering additional features like advanced typographic capabilities (e.g., ligatures, alternate characters, small caps).
Also read: OTF vs TTF: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?
Key Differences: OTF vs TTF
| Feature | TTF | OTF |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Excellent (cross-platform) | Excellent |
| File Size | Slightly larger | Often smaller |
| Typographic Features | Basic | Advanced (ligatures, glyphs, etc) |
| Web Font Support | Supported | Supported |
| Use Case | Simple UI, standard text | Advanced typography, branding |
Are OTF and TTF Fonts Web Safe?
Both OTF and TTF are supported by most modern browsers, but that doesn’t automatically make them ideal for direct web use.
Web design today often uses fonts in WOFF or WOFF2 formats (Web Open Font Format), which are optimized for faster loading and better browser support. You can convert OTF or TTF fonts into WOFF formats using tools like:
-
Transfonter
-
Google Fonts API (if available)
Best Practices for Using OTF and TTF in Web Design
✅ Convert to Web-Optimized Formats
Before embedding fonts in your CSS, convert OTF/TTF to WOFF/WOFF2. This ensures better loading speed and cross-browser support.
✅ Use Only What You Need
Custom fonts increase page size. Minimize the number of weights and styles you load (e.g., avoid loading 10 versions of the same font).
✅ Include Fallback Fonts
Always include a fallback font stack in your CSS (e.g., font-family: 'YourFont', Arial, sans-serif;) in case your custom font doesn’t load.
✅ Respect Licensing
Just because you have an OTF or TTF file doesn’t mean you can use it freely on a website. Make sure your license allows for web embedding.
✅ Host Fonts Properly
Fonts can be hosted locally on your server or through a CDN. Local hosting can reduce reliance on third-party services and improve speed/security.
OTF or TTF: Which Should You Use?
For designers working in apps like Figma, Adobe Illustrator, or Sketch, OTF may be preferable because of its typographic versatility.
For web designers, it’s less about OTF vs TTF and more about how the font is delivered (WOFF/WOFF2 being ideal). But if you’re choosing a base file to convert, either format works—OTF just offers more options.
Conclusion
Choosing between OTF and TTF fonts might seem technical, but it’s a critical decision for web performance, readability, and brand identity.
Both formats are fine to work with during the design process, but for actual website deployment, convert them to web-optimized formats, keep file sizes in check, and always respect font licensing.
By understanding the basics, you’ll make smarter typography decisions—and deliver a better user experience for your visitors.