Understanding OTF vs TTF: Choosing the Right Font Format
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When you download a font, it may come in one of a few different file formats. In some cases, a few file formats may be provided for the same font. If so, you may be unsure of which one to use.
In this article, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular modern font formats: OTF and TTF. We’ll discuss the benefits of each format, and we’ll help you decide which one is right for you. Check out this OTF vs. TTF comparison to learn more!
Differences between OTF and TTF
The main difference between OTF and TTF is that OTF files can be packed with advanced features like ligatures and stylistic alternates, while TTF files include only the basic font design. Additionally, OTF files allow for smaller file sizes and better compression, while TTF files are slightly larger in size and aren’t as efficient with disk space.
Let’s take a look at each of these font formats in closer detail.
What are OTF Files?
OTF stands for OpenType fonts. This is a vector-based font format that offers a range of advanced typesetting features, like ligatures, stylistic alternates, discretionary ligatures, and more. OTF files are small in size and ideal for use on the web because of their compression capabilities. OTF fonts also support a wide range of languages due to Unicode character encoding.
OpenType Formats were created by Microsoft and Adobe Systems in the 1990s with the intention of making fonts more versatile and allowing for a greater range of typographic possibilities. They quickly became the standard choice for graphic designers. OTF fonts provide a more modern look and feel than TTF fonts, and they offer greater flexibility when it comes to advanced typography techniques.
The font shown above, Levaus, is a beautiful example of the advanced features that you can only get with an OTF font, such as ligatures and alternative characters, making it a perfect option for creating unique designs with type.
It’s important to note that OpenType features like ligatures and stylistic alternates require software that supports these OTF features. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and most other design programs support OTF files and features. If you’re using a program that doesn’t not support OpenType features, you won’t be able to use them.
The Benefits of OTF Files
OTF fonts offer several benefits over TTF fonts:
- Advanced typographic features like ligature features, stylistic alternates, alternate characters, special characters, international character sets, old-style figures, and more allow for greater flexibility when designing with type.
- OTF files are smaller in size than TTF files.
- They offer better compression and readability across multiple devices and platforms.
- OTF fonts are capable of rendering complex typographies, making them ideal for headlines and logos.
- They support Unicode character encoding, which means they can be used with a wide range of languages.
What are TTF Files?
TTF, or TrueType Fonts, are a font format created by Apple and Microsoft in the late 1980s. Unlike OTF fonts, the TTF file format doesn’t include any advanced typographic features, like ligatures and alternate characters. TTF files have a slightly larger file size than OTF files, but they’re still generally small enough for use on the web.
The TrueType font format is still widely used today because it tends to be simpler for the average computer user.
OTF vs. TTF: Which is Better?
Overall, the OpenType font format (OTF) is the preferred choice for most professional designers because of its advanced typographic features and smaller file sizes. OTF files offer a much wider range of possibilities regarding type design. Plus, they provide better readability across multiple devices and platforms. They’re more modern-looking and offer a higher level of detail than TTF fonts.
However, for average users, who do not need additional features like ligatures, extra characters, or alternative characters, a TrueType font is perfectly fine. It will have the same basic characters. It just won’t have the advanced functionality of the OTF version.
When to Use TTF Files
TTF files should be the option when OTF fonts aren’t available. Additionally, some older versions of software and operating systems may not support OTF files, so TTF fonts can be used as an alternative.
Final Thoughts on OTF and TTF
When it comes to choosing a font format for your project, OpenType Format (OTF) is usually the best choice due to its advanced typographic features, smaller file size, and better compression capabilities. OTF fonts provide a more modern look and feel than TTF fonts, plus they offer greater flexibility when it comes to advanced typography techniques.
However, if OTF isn’t available and you don’t need those OpenType features, then TrueType fonts (TTF) can be used as an alternative.
We hope this guide on OTF vs. TTF has cleared up any confusion you may have had surrounding these two font formats. Happy designing!
