A font is a printable text with specific properties like size, weight, colour and style. Many software like Google Docs, Notepad or Microsoft Word is set with a default font and font size.
Different fonts are brought to use for styling web pages and documents. Some fonts affect readability depending on the medium, while some fonts affect the beauty of the content.
TrueType fonts are made of quadratic Bézierswhereas OpenType fonts are made of cubic Bézier paths.
Key Takeaways
- TTF (TrueType Font) is a font format developed by Apple and Microsoft, widely used for its simplicity and efficient rasterization at various sizes and resolutions.
- OTF (OpenType Font) is a more advanced font format based on TTF, created by Adobe and Microsoft, offering additional features like better support for ligatures, multiple character sets, and stylistic variations.
- Both TTF and OTF are popular font formats, but OTF offers more advanced features and is recommended for complex typography projects.
TTF vs OTF
TTF is a type of font which uses vector-based outlines to define each character. They have been widely used in digital typography and graphic design for years. Otf is a digital font file format which can contain a wide range of typographic features, including ligatures, alternate characters, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | TTF | OTF |
|---|---|---|
| Development | TrueType font was developed by Apple and Microsoft | The OpenType font was developed by Adobe and Microsoft |
| Font File size | TTF font files are larger than OTF font files | OTF font files are smaller than TTF font files |
| Popularity | TTF is more popular than OTF | OTF seems to be less popular than the TrueType font |
| Feasibility | The making of TTF is much easier than OFT | Compared to TTF, the creation of OTF is harder |
| Dependency | TrueType font depends on a glyph table | OpenType font depends on the glyph table and CCF |
| Support | TTF supports all the old browsers | OTF, on the other hand, supports almost all browsers be they old or new, due to its advanced features |
| Suitability | It is most suitable for day-to-day tasks | OTF finds its suitability in designing areas as it gives a user the freedom to manipulate and play with characters |
| Cost | TTF is cost-friendly | Due to advanced features and provisions, OTF is more expensive when purchased. |
What is TTF?
TrueType technology includes two parts:
- The TrueType Rasterizer
- TrueType fonts
For TrueType fonts or an OpenType font with TrueType outlines, a .ttf extension is used.PostScript wrapper is used to manage TrueType outlines.
Back then, the most commonly used font in Windows and Mac was TrueType.TTF permits the attachment of font files with websites and PDF files.
TTF finds its excellence in supporting almost all old browsers. It is a cost-friendly font format for the end users.
TTF find its application primarily in daily tasks. It is incapable of taking input and yielding output as expected in a programming language, but it’s hinting language offers the other requirements of a programming language.
What is OTF?
OpenType is aofficialhallmark of MS Corporation. OpenType fonts are most commonly used on significant computer platforms because of their wide availability and flexibility.
OpenType fonts are flexible; they can be resized quickly without losing their quality. OTF supports International character sets.
The OpenType font is newer, and therefore it has got more advanced features to be used by end users.OTF is somewhat expensive for users when it is purchased because of its advanced features.
Its application is found in particular designing tasks used mainly by graphic designers.OpenType has terminated the Multiple Master facilities from version 1.3.
Main Differences Between TTF and OTF
- TrueType fonts have their file extension as TTF, whereas the OTF extension is used for OpenType fonts.
- Out of the two, Truetype is more popular.
- OpenType is superior to TrueType fonts.
- TrueType font is older than OTF.
- Apple introduced TTF, whereas Opentype got its roots from Adobe and Microsoft.
- OpenType fonts are harder to make if compared with the TTF.
- https://meeting.contextgarden.net/2010/talks/2010-09-17-karelpiska-complexopentype/piska-artcle-ot.pdf
- https://faculty.washington.edu/cadolph/software/caxetexFree.pdf
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
This post is quite educational, suitable for those in the digital design field seeking to understand the nuances of font formats.
The information about the development, file size, and support of the fonts provides valuable insights.
Indeed, the post is highly informative for anyone interested in the technical aspects of font files.
The detailed comparison between TTF and OTF is enlightening, offering valuable information for those navigating the realm of digital typography.
The in-depth analysis in the post is indeed commendable, providing insights into the nuances of font formats.
This post provides a detailed comparison between TTF and OTF fonts, it’s a helpful guide for anyone working with digital typography.
I agree, the information provided is relevant and useful.
This post provides a comprehensive overview of TTF and OTF, offering detailed information that will benefit readers in the field of digital typography.
The post provides an intellectual insight into the font technologies, adding clarity to the topic.
It’s a well-structured comparison that will serve as a valuable reference for those working with font formats.
The depth of information in this post is commendable, providing a rich resource for those seeking to enhance their knowledge in typography.
It’s an in-depth discussion on TTF and OTF, certainly beneficial for individuals with a professional interest in fonts.
I appreciate the logical structure of the post, it simplifies complex font technologies for readers.
The post offers detailed insights into TTF and OTF fonts, suitable for those looking to delve into the technicalities of these font formats.
The content is indeed valuable for professionals engaged in digital design and typography.
Indeed, the post serves as an intellectual reference for understanding the differences between TTF and OTF.
The structured evaluation of TTF and OTF fonts is a commendable addition to font technology literature, contributing valuable insights to the field.
A noteworthy read for professionals in digital design, providing substantial knowledge on font file formats.
The post presents a well-articulated analysis, offering clarity on the differences between TTF and OTF fonts.
The comparison table is very insightful and effectively highlights the differences between the two font formats.
Absolutely, it’s an excellent resource for graphic designers and web developers.
It’s a comprehensive breakdown of TTF and OTF usage and capabilities.
The comparative analysis of TTF and OTF is well-researched and clearly presented, making it an enlightening read for typography enthusiasts.
Absolutely, the detailed comparisons in the post are backed by reliable references, adding to its credibility.
The content is quite comprehensive and presents a thorough evaluation of TTF and OTF, it’s a creditable source for those delving into the subject matter.
The post indeed serves as a solid reference for individuals navigating font formats in their projects.
It’s a well-structured and informative piece that will aid many in understanding font technologies.