Print design operates in a fundamentally different font ecosystem than web design. While web designers optimize for file size and loading speed with WOFF2, print designers need fonts that embed reliably in PDF files, support advanced OpenType features, and render predictably across different printing systems. The stakes are higher too—a font issue discovered after printing costs real money to fix.
This guide covers font formats for print design, explains how to convert web fonts for print use, and provides best practices for font management in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and other professional design tools. Whether you're preparing files for offset printing, digital press, or large format output, understanding font conversion ensures your typography reproduces exactly as intended.
In 2026, the print industry has standardized on PDF/X formats for prepress delivery. These specifications have strict requirements for font embedding that every print designer must understand.
Font Formats for Print Design
Print design uses desktop font formats that differ significantly from web formats. While web browsers render WOFF2 fonts, design applications like InDesign and Illustrator work with OpenType (OTF) and TrueType (TTF) formats.
Format Comparison for Print
| Feature | OTF | TTF | Type 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Typography | Excellent | Limited | None |
| PDF Embedding | Excellent | Good | Outdated |
| Unicode Support | Full | Full | 256 chars |
| Recommendation | Preferred | Acceptable | Avoid |
Why OTF for Print?
OpenType fonts support stylistic alternates, ligatures, small caps, old-style figures, and other advanced features directly accessible in InDesign's OpenType menu. These features are essential for professional typography but may not transfer when converting from web formats.
For a detailed comparison, see our TTF vs OTF comparison guide.
Converting Web Fonts for Print
Clients often provide brand fonts in web format (WOFF or WOFF2), expecting designers to use them in print projects. These formats don't work in design applications—you need to convert them to desktop formats first. However, there are important considerations before converting.
Licensing Warning
Web font licenses typically don't include desktop or print usage rights. Before converting, verify that your license covers the intended use. Converting a web-only license to desktop use may violate the font license agreement. See our font licensing guide for details.
Conversion Workflow
Verify License Coverage
Confirm your font license includes desktop/print rights or obtain the appropriate license.
Convert WOFF2 to OTF
Use our WOFF2 to OTF converter for OpenType output, or WOFF2 to TTF converter for TrueType.
Install on Your System
Install the converted fonts using Font Book (macOS) or Font Settings (Windows).
Test OpenType Features
Some OpenType features may not survive conversion from web formats. Test ligatures, alternates, and other features in InDesign.
Font Embedding in PDF for Print
Proper font embedding is critical for print production. When fonts aren't embedded correctly, printers may substitute different fonts or reject files entirely. PDF/X standards require full font embedding (or subsetting) to ensure reliable output.
PDF Export Settings in InDesign
- Subset fonts below: Set to 100% to embed full fonts, or a lower percentage for subsetting
- PDF/X-4:2010: Recommended standard supporting transparency and color management
- PDF/X-1a:2001: Use for maximum compatibility with older RIPs
- Check "Create Tagged PDF": Only if required; can increase file size
Checking Font Embedding
In Adobe Acrobat, verify font embedding:
- 1. Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro
- 2. Go to File → Properties (or Cmd/Ctrl + D)
- 3. Click the "Fonts" tab
- 4. Verify all fonts show "Embedded" or "Embedded Subset"
For fonts that can't be embedded (due to licensing restrictions in the font file), you may need to convert text to outlines. However, this removes editability and increases file size, so it should be a last resort.
OpenType Features for Print Typography
OpenType fonts contain advanced typographic features that elevate print design. Understanding these features helps you choose appropriate fonts and use them effectively. Learn more in our OpenType Features Guide.
Ligatures
Combine letter pairs like fi, fl, ff into single elegant glyphs. Essential for professional body text typography.
Old-Style Figures
Numbers with varying heights that blend with lowercase text. Use for elegant body copy; switch to lining figures for tables.
Small Caps
True small caps designed to match lowercase x-height. Never fake small caps by scaling regular caps—it looks unprofessional.
Stylistic Alternates
Alternative glyph designs for creative flexibility. Access through InDesign's Glyphs panel or OpenType menu.
Recommended Tools
WOFF2 to OTF Converter
Convert web fonts to OpenType for print use
WOFF to OTF Converter
Convert WOFF to desktop OpenType format
TTF to OTF Converter
Convert TrueType to OpenType format
TTF vs OTF Comparison
Understand format differences for print
External Resources
- Adobe InDesign Font Documentation - Official font management guide
- Prepressure Font Guide - Comprehensive prepress font information
Written & Verified by
Sarah Mitchell
Product Designer, Font Specialist
Related Use Cases
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