TTF (TrueType font)
Also known as: .ttf file, TrueType font, ttf vs otf
TTF (TrueType) is a widely supported font file format developed by Apple and Microsoft. It stores letter shapes as scalable outlines so text stays sharp at any size, and a single TTF holds one font style such as Regular or Bold.
- TrueType scalable outline font from Apple and Microsoft
- One file usually holds a single weight or style
- Simpler than OTF; slightly broader compatibility
What a TTF stores
A TTF file describes each character as a mathematical outline rather than a fixed bitmap, so the same font renders cleanly from caption size to a headline. TrueType uses quadratic curves and includes hinting that keeps text legible at small sizes on screen.
One TTF typically covers a single weight and style. A full family — Regular, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic — is usually several separate TTF files.
TTF vs OTF
TTF and OTF are both scalable outline fonts and both install the same way. The main difference is under the hood: OTF (OpenType) can use cubic curves and supports advanced typographic features like ligatures and alternates, while TTF is simpler and slightly more universally compatible.
Font files are small compared to media, so they rarely drive storage use; the practical choice between them is about features and compatibility, not space.