TTF vs WOFF2: Complete Guide to Desktop vs Web Font Formats
Understanding the differences between TrueType Font and Web Open Font Format 2, their optimal use cases, performance characteristics, and when to choose each format
In Simple Terms
TTF is for desktop apps (Word, Photoshop). WOFF2 is for websites. Never use TTF directly on the web—it's 2-3x larger.Converting TTF to WOFF2 reduces file size by 60-70% with zero quality loss. WOFF2 has 97%+ browser support.Keep TTF files for desktop use and as source files. Convert to WOFF2 for all web projects.
In this article
TTF (TrueType Font) and WOFF2 (Web Open Font Format 2) represent two fundamentally different approaches to font delivery. TTF is a general-purpose desktop font format developed in the 1980s, designed for installation and use across operating systems. WOFF2, introduced in 2014, is a compression wrapper specifically engineered for web delivery, optimizing TTF or OTF fonts for fast network transfer.
The key distinction is their intended purpose: TTF files are meant to be installed on computers and used by desktop applications, while WOFF2 files are meant to be downloaded by web browsers and used exclusively for web typography. WOFF2 compresses TTF data using Brotli algorithm, achieving 50-70% file size reduction while maintaining identical visual quality. This compression is lossless—when decompressed in the browser, WOFF2 produces exactly the same font data as the original TTF.
For desktop applications, operating system fonts, and software distribution, TTF remains the standard choice due to universal compatibility. For websites and web applications, WOFF2 is the modern standard, delivering superior performance through dramatically reduced file sizes. Understanding when to use each format is essential for optimal typography implementation across different platforms.
TTF vs WOFF2: Format Overview
TrueType Font (TTF)
Released: 1980s by Apple; adopted by Microsoft in Windows 3.1 (1992)
Primary Characteristics:
- • Desktop font format for operating system installation
- • Uses quadratic Bézier curves for glyph outlines
- • Uncompressed or minimally compressed
- • Contains hinting instructions for screen rendering
- • Universal cross-platform compatibility
- • File extension: .ttf
- • Typical size: 100-300 KB for standard fonts
Intended Use:
TTF is designed for installation on computers, where file size is less critical than compatibility and functionality. Desktop applications (Word, Photoshop, etc.) access installed TTF fonts directly from the operating system. The format includes comprehensive font data without concern for network transfer efficiency.
Web Open Font Format 2 (WOFF2)
Released: 2014 by Google; W3C Recommendation in 2018
Primary Characteristics:
- • Web-optimized compression wrapper for TTF/OTF
- • Uses Brotli compression algorithm
- • 50-70% smaller than uncompressed TTF
- • Lossless compression (perfect fidelity when decompressed)
- • Designed specifically for fast web delivery
- • File extension: .woff2
- • Typical size: 30-100 KB for standard fonts
Intended Use:
WOFF2 exists solely for web font delivery. Browsers download WOFF2 files, decompress them in memory, and use the resulting font data for webpage rendering. The format cannot be installed as a system font—it's exclusively for web use. The aggressive compression dramatically improves page load performance.
The Fundamental Difference:
TTF is a font format. WOFF2 is a compression format that wraps TTF (or OTF) fonts. When you create a WOFF2 file, you're essentially taking a TTF font and compressing it for efficient web delivery. The browser decompresses the WOFF2 file back into TTF data before rendering text.
Workflow Example:
- Designer creates font → exports as TTF (168 KB)
- Developer compresses TTF → creates WOFF2 (53 KB)
- User visits website → browser downloads WOFF2 (53 KB)
- Browser decompresses WOFF2 → gets TTF data (168 KB in memory)
- Browser renders text using decompressed font data
Key Differences Explained
| Aspect | TTF | WOFF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Desktop font installation | Web font delivery |
| Compression | Uncompressed/minimal | Brotli (highly compressed) |
| Typical File Size | 168 KB (baseline) | 53 KB (68% smaller) |
| Installation | Can be installed on OS | Cannot be installed |
| Desktop Apps | Fully supported | Not supported |
| Web Browsers | Supported but inefficient | Optimized and preferred |
| Browser Support | Universal (as web font) | 97%+ modern browsers |
| Network Transfer | Slower (larger files) | Faster (smaller files) |
| Decompression | Not needed | Required by browser |
| Quality Loss | None (original) | None (lossless) |
Important: TTF for Web is Technically Possible
While browsers can load TTF files directly using @font-face, this is inefficient and not recommended for production websites. Here's why:
- File Size: TTF files are 2-3x larger than WOFF2, meaning slower page loads and higher bandwidth costs. A 168 KB TTF vs 53 KB WOFF2 makes a significant difference on mobile connections.
- Performance Impact: Larger fonts delay text rendering, hurt Core Web Vitals (LCP, FCP), and reduce conversion rates. Studies show every 100ms improvement increases conversions by 1%.
- Best Practice: Modern web development standards strongly recommend WOFF2 for web fonts. TTF on websites is considered legacy practice.
Why WOFF2 Exists
WOFF2 was created specifically to solve web font performance problems:
Before WOFF2 (using TTF on web):
- • 4-font family = 600+ KB download
- • 2+ seconds to load fonts on 4G
- • Flash of Invisible Text (FOIT) or Flash of Unstyled Text (FOUT)
- • Poor mobile experience on slow connections
After WOFF2 adoption:
- • Same 4-font family = 200 KB download (67% reduction)
- • Under 1 second to load fonts on 4G
- • Faster text rendering, better Core Web Vitals
- • Acceptable mobile performance even on 3G
File Size and Performance
Real-World File Size Comparison
| Font | TTF Size | WOFF2 Size | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roboto Regular | 168 KB | 53 KB | 68% |
| Open Sans Bold | 224 KB | 71 KB | 68% |
| Lato 4-Weight Family | 612 KB | 188 KB | 69% |
| Playfair Display | 196 KB | 62 KB | 68% |
| Montserrat Variable | 256 KB | 82 KB | 68% |
Consistent pattern: WOFF2 achieves 65-70% file size reduction compared to TTF across virtually all fonts, regardless of style or complexity.
Performance Impact: Real Website Example
Scenario: E-commerce site using 4 font files
Using TTF:
- • Total: 612 KB download
- • 4G load time: ~2.4 seconds
- • 3G load time: ~6.5 seconds
- • 61 MB per 100 visitors
Using WOFF2:
- • Total: 188 KB download
- • 4G load time: ~0.7 seconds
- • 3G load time: ~2.0 seconds
- • 19 MB per 100 visitors
Business Impact:
- • 1.7 seconds faster on 4G (71% improvement)
- • 4.5 seconds faster on 3G (69% improvement)
- • 42 MB saved per 100 visitors (bandwidth cost reduction)
- • Better conversion rates: Faster sites convert better
- • Improved SEO: Page speed is a ranking factor
Network Speed Comparison
| Connection | TTF (612KB) | WOFF2 (188KB) | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G (250 Kbps) | 19.6s | 6.0s | 13.6s |
| 3G (750 Kbps) | 6.5s | 2.0s | 4.5s |
| 4G (1.5 Mbps) | 3.3s | 1.0s | 2.3s |
| 4G LTE (5 Mbps) | 1.0s | 0.3s | 0.7s |
| WiFi (25 Mbps) | 0.2s | 0.06s | 0.14s |
The performance advantage is most dramatic on slower connections where many mobile users operate. Even on fast connections, WOFF2's smaller size provides measurable improvements.
Use Cases and Applications
Use TTF When:
1. Desktop Font Installation
Scenario: Installing fonts on Windows, macOS, or Linux for use in desktop applications
TTF is the standard format for system font installation. All operating systems natively support TTF. Users can double-click TTF files to install them, making fonts available to Word, Photoshop, and all other applications.
2. Software Distribution
Scenario: Distributing fonts with desktop software, games, or applications
When bundling fonts with applications, TTF ensures compatibility across all platforms. Game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine work natively with TTF. Software installers typically include TTF files for system installation.
3. Design and Typography Work
Scenario: Professional design work in Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma
Designers work with TTF (or OTF) fonts installed on their systems. Design applications access system fonts, requiring TTF format. Font files purchased from type foundries come in TTF/OTF for this purpose.
4. Print Production
Scenario: Creating documents for print, PDF generation, professional publishing
Print workflows use TTF/OTF fonts for document creation. PDF embedding uses original font files. Professional publishing software expects system-installed fonts in TTF format.
5. Legacy Systems and Maximum Compatibility
Scenario: Embedded systems, older devices, IoT applications
Embedded systems often support only TTF due to simpler parsing requirements. Industrial equipment, digital signage, and IoT devices typically use TTF for font rendering.
Use WOFF2 When:
1. Any Modern Website or Web Application
Scenario: Websites, web apps, SaaS products, e-commerce sites
WOFF2 should be your default choice for all web projects. The 65-70% file size reduction directly improves page load times, Core Web Vitals, and user experience. Modern browsers (97%+ of users) fully support WOFF2.
2. Mobile-First Applications
Scenario: Apps and sites primarily accessed on mobile devices
Mobile users often have slower connections and limited data plans. WOFF2's compression is critical for acceptable performance. The file size reduction can be the difference between usable and frustrating mobile experience.
3. Performance-Critical Sites
Scenario: E-commerce, news sites, landing pages where speed affects revenue
Studies consistently show that page speed affects conversion rates. Using WOFF2 instead of TTF can save 1-2 seconds of load time, which can translate to 1-2% improvement in conversions—significant for high-traffic sites.
4. International and Bandwidth-Constrained Markets
Scenario: Sites serving users in developing markets with expensive or limited data
In regions where data costs are high or connections are slow, WOFF2's compression makes websites accessible and affordable. The 400+ KB saved per page load matters greatly to users paying per megabyte.
5. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Scenario: Web apps designed to work offline and feel native
PWAs cache fonts for offline use. WOFF2's smaller size reduces cache storage requirements and makes initial download faster. Critical for apps that need to install quickly and work reliably offline.
Browser and Platform Compatibility
| Platform/Use Case | TTF | WOFF2 |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browsers (Modern) | ✓ Supported (inefficient) | ✓ Optimized (97%+ support) |
| Desktop Installation | ✓ Yes (native) | ✗ Cannot install |
| Desktop Applications | ✓ Yes (all apps) | ✗ No support |
| Mobile Browsers | ✓ Supported | ✓ Preferred |
| Email Clients | ⚠ Limited | ⚠ Very limited |
| Game Engines | ✓ Native support | ✗ Not supported |
| Embedded Systems | ✓ Common | ✗ Rare |
Key Takeaways
- For web use: WOFF2 is universally preferred. While browsers can load TTF, doing so wastes bandwidth and hurts performance. Always use WOFF2 for web projects unless you must support IE11.
- For desktop use: TTF is required. WOFF2 cannot be installed as a system font or used by desktop applications. Font files must be in TTF (or OTF) format for non-web use.
- Conversion is simple: You can convert TTF to WOFF2 for web use, and you should. The original TTF remains necessary for desktop use, but web delivery should always use WOFF2.
Implementation Guidelines
Web Font Implementation (Use WOFF2)
/* Modern approach: WOFF2 primary, WOFF fallback */
@font-face {
font-family: 'YourFont';
src: url('/fonts/yourfont.woff2') format('woff2'),
url('/fonts/yourfont.woff') format('woff');
font-weight: 400;
font-style: normal;
font-display: swap;
}
/* Preload critical fonts */
<link rel="preload"
href="/fonts/yourfont.woff2"
as="font"
type="font/woff2"
crossorigin>Always list WOFF2 first. Modern browsers (97%) will use WOFF2 and stop. Legacy browsers fall back to WOFF. Never use TTF for web delivery in production.
Desktop Font Distribution (Use TTF)
For software that bundles fonts or font products sold to users:
- Provide fonts in TTF (or OTF) format for maximum compatibility
- Include installation instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- For applications, bundle TTF files and install programmatically
- Include license information and usage terms with font files
- Consider providing both TTF (desktop) and WOFF2 (web) in font packages
Best Practices Summary
- Web projects: Convert TTF to WOFF2 during build, serve WOFF2 to browsers
- Desktop use: Keep original TTF files for installation and application use
- Dual distribution: Provide both formats when selling fonts or creating font packages
- Never mix: Don't use TTF for web or attempt to use WOFF2 for desktop
- Optimize always: Subset fonts and use variable fonts where appropriate
Converting Between Formats
TTF to WOFF2 Conversion
Converting TTF to WOFF2 is straightforward and lossless. The WOFF2 file will decompress to identical font data:
# Using woff2 command-line tool
woff2_compress font.ttf
# Creates font.woff2
# Using Node.js package
npm install woff2
const woff2 = require('woff2');
const ttf = fs.readFileSync('font.ttf');
const compressed = woff2.compress(ttf);
fs.writeFileSync('font.woff2', compressed);This is the standard workflow for web font preparation. Convert during your build process, not on-the-fly.
Important Notes
- Always check licensing: Ensure your font license permits format conversion and web use. Many commercial fonts restrict modification or require separate web licenses.
- Keep original TTF: Don't delete TTF files after converting to WOFF2. You need TTF for desktop use and as the source for future conversions.
- Automate conversion: Integrate WOFF2 generation into your build pipeline. Tools like webpack, gulp, and grunt have plugins for automatic font conversion.
- Test after conversion: While conversion is lossless, always verify the WOFF2 font renders correctly in browsers before deploying to production.
The Bottom Line: Right Format for Right Purpose
TTF and WOFF2 serve different purposes and shouldn't be considered alternatives. TTF is for desktop installation and application use. WOFF2 is for web font delivery. Use TTF when distributing fonts for system installation, and convert to WOFF2 for web deployment. The 65-70% file size reduction makes WOFF2 essential for modern web performance.
For web projects, never use TTF directly—always convert to WOFF2. For desktop use, WOFF2 cannot replace TTF. Keep both formats in your workflow, each serving its intended purpose.
Written & Verified by
Sarah Mitchell
Product Designer, Font Specialist
TTF vs WOFF2 FAQs
Common questions answered about this font format comparison