Complete Guide toFont Formats
Learn about all supported font formats and when to use each one
Supported Font Formats
Detailed information about each format we support
ttf
TrueType Font
TrueType is one of the most widely used font formats, developed jointly by Apple and Microsoft. It stores both screen and printer font data in a single file and is supported across all major operating systems.
Best For
- Desktop application fonts
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Software user interfaces
- Print and digital media
Limitations
- Large file sizes for web
- No built-in compression
- Limited advanced features vs OTF
Primary Use Case
Desktop applications, software UI, and legacy web compatibility
otf
OpenType Font
OpenType is an extension of TrueType with additional features. It supports more glyphs, advanced typographic features like ligatures and alternate characters, and is the preferred format for professional design work.
Best For
- Professional graphic design
- Advanced typography needs
- Multi-language publications
- High-quality print work
Limitations
- Larger file sizes
- May not work in very old software
- Overkill for simple web use
Primary Use Case
Professional design, advanced typography, and high-quality print
woff
Web Open Font Format
WOFF was specifically designed for web use with built-in compression. It wraps TrueType/OpenType fonts with metadata and compression, making files 40% smaller while maintaining compatibility.
Best For
- Modern websites
- Web applications
- Legacy browser support
- General web typography
Limitations
- Larger than WOFF2
- Not ideal for very old browsers
- Being superseded by WOFF2
Primary Use Case
Modern web development with broad browser support
woff2
Web Open Font Format 2
WOFF2 is the next generation of WOFF with Brotli compression, offering 30% better compression than WOFF. It is now the recommended format for modern web applications.
Best For
- Modern websites
- Performance-critical apps
- Progressive web apps
- Mobile-first design
Limitations
- No IE support
- Requires fallback for old browsers
- Slightly higher processing overhead
Primary Use Case
Modern web development and performance optimization
eot
Embedded OpenType
EOT was created by Microsoft for Internet Explorer. It includes DRM features and compression but is now largely obsolete as modern browsers support WOFF/WOFF2.
Best For
- IE6-8 compatibility
- Legacy corporate systems
- Old browser support
- Historical projects
Limitations
- Only works in IE
- Obsolete format
- No modern browser support
- Being phased out
Primary Use Case
Legacy Internet Explorer support (IE6-IE8)
svg
SVG Font
SVG fonts are defined using Scalable Vector Graphics markup. They were used for older mobile browsers but are now deprecated in favor of WOFF/WOFF2 for better performance.
Best For
- Very old mobile devices
- Legacy Safari support
- Special SVG effects
- Historical compatibility
Limitations
- Deprecated format
- Poor performance
- Large file sizes
- Limited browser support
Primary Use Case
Legacy mobile browsers and special effects
dfont
macOS Datafork Font
Datafork fonts are a Mac-specific format that stores font data in the data fork rather than the resource fork. Mainly used for compatibility with older macOS systems.
Best For
- Old macOS systems
- Classic Mac applications
- Mac font archives
- Historical projects
Limitations
- Mac-only format
- Not for web use
- Being replaced by OTF
- Limited compatibility
Primary Use Case
Legacy macOS compatibility and classic Mac apps
pfb
PostScript Type 1 Binary
PostScript Type 1 fonts were the standard for professional desktop publishing before TrueType and OpenType. They offer high-quality rendering but are less common in modern web use.
Best For
- Professional printing
- Desktop publishing
- Legacy workflows
- Print production
Limitations
- Limited web use
- Being replaced by OTF
- Requires paired metrics file
- Older technology
Primary Use Case
Professional printing and legacy publishing
Format Recommendations
Choose the right format for your specific needs
For Modern Websites
Use WOFF2 as primary with WOFF fallback for best performance and compatibility.
For Desktop Apps
OpenType offers advanced features, TrueType for simpler needs and maximum compatibility.
For Print Design
OpenType provides professional typography features ideal for print work.
For Mobile Apps
Both formats work well on iOS and Android with good performance.
For Performance
Best compression available, up to 30% smaller than WOFF for faster loading.
For Compatibility
Maximum compatibility across old and new browsers and operating systems.
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