What is .ttf?
TTF (TrueType Font) is a font standard developed by Apple and Microsoft in the late 1980s. It is the most common format for fonts on both macOS and Windows operating systems and can be resized to any size without losing quality.
This quick guide explains when to use .ttf files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .ttf files
- You want to install a new font on your computer (Windows or macOS).
- You are designing print materials or graphics in tools like Photoshop or Word.
- You need a fallback font format for older browsers (though WOFF/WOFF2 is preferred for web).
How to open .ttf files
Double-click a .ttf file to preview it. In Windows and macOS, there is an 'Install' button in the preview window to add it to your system fonts.
Algorithm details
TrueType fonts use quadratic Bézier curves to define the glyph outlines. This makes them mathematically simpler than PostScript fonts (used in OTF), but sometimes requires more points to describe complex shapes.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Supported by all modern browsers.
- Usage: Can be used in CSS via `@font-face`, but WOFF/WOFF2 is recommended for faster loading.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Curves | TTF uses quadratic Bézier curves (simpler math). OTF uses cubic Bézier curves (more precise for design). |
| Compression | TTF files are usually larger than WOFF/WOFF2 files because they are not compressed for web delivery. |
| Platform | Universal support across Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops. |
How to create ttf files
- Font Editors: FontLab, Glyphs, FontForge.
- Conversion: Convert from OTF or WOFF using online tools.
How to convert ttf files
- Web: Convert to WOFF2 for better website performance.
- FileXhost: Upload to share fonts with clients or colleagues.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Extremely broad compatibility (desktop and web)
- Easy to install on any OS
- Precise control over display at small sizes (hinting)
Disadvantages
- Larger file size than WOFF2
- Quadratic curves are slightly less efficient for designers than Cubic curves (OTF)
Tools & software
System
Windows Font Viewer, macOS Font Book
Design
Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office
Editors
FontForge (Open Source), Glyphs (Mac)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use TTF on my website?
Yes, but it's better to convert it to WOFF2 first for faster page loads. You can provide the TTF as a fallback.
What is the difference between TTF and OTF?
OTF is a newer format that supports more advanced typographic features (ligatures, alternates) and uses a different mathematical model for curves. TTF is older but still widely used.
How do I install a TTF file?
On Windows: Right-click > Install. On Mac: Double-click > Install Font.
Technical specs
- File type
- Web
- Extension
- .ttf
- MIME type
- font/ttf, application/x-font-ttf, font/sfnt
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Typically 50KB - 500KB. Up to 25 MB per file on free plans.
Share .ttf files instantly
Upload your .ttf file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .ttf file