the field guide to:

Font file types

Fonts come in different file formats because they’re built for different environments.
Some are designed for print and layout software, others are optimised for the web, and a few exist purely to support older systems.

This guide breaks down the most common font file types you’ll encounter, what each one does best, and where it belongs in your workflow.

.OTF OpenType Font

The modern standard for professional design work.
OTF files were developed to unify older font technologies into a single, more capable format. They support advanced typographic features and are widely supported across design software and operating systems.

What makes them different:

  • Support for ligatures, alternate characters, small caps, and stylistic sets

  • Better handling of complex typography

  • Consistent behaviour across print and digital layout tools

Use it for:

  • Brand identity systems

  • Print design

  • Long-form layout work

  • Everyday desktop use in design software

Best practice: If your font family includes OTF files, these should be your primary working files.

.TTF TrueType Font

A widely supported, older font format.
TTF files were designed to work consistently across platforms, which is why they’re still common today.

What to know:

  • Slightly fewer advanced typographic features than OTF

  • Extremely compatible across systems and software

  • Still perfectly usable for most everyday design tasks

Use it for:

  • General desktop use

  • Projects requiring maximum compatibility

  • Environments where OTF files aren’t supported

Rule of thumb: TTF is reliable, but when given the option, OTF offers more control and flexibility.

.WOFF Web Open Font Format

A font file designed specifically for web use.
WOFF files are compressed and packaged so browsers can load them efficiently without sacrificing quality.

What makes them different:

  • Smaller file sizes for faster page loads

  • Designed to be served via CSS

  • Supported by all modern browsers

Use it for:

  • Websites

  • Web apps

  • Online platforms where performance matters

Important: WOFF files are not intended for print or design software. They exist only for web delivery.

.WOFF2 Web Open Font Format 2

The newer evolution of WOFF.
WOFF2 files use improved compression methods, resulting in even smaller file sizes and faster load times.

What makes them different:

  • Better compression than WOFF

  • Improved performance on mobile and slower connections

  • Increasingly standard in modern web builds

Use it for:

  • Contemporary websites

  • Performance-first web projects

Best practice: Most web font kits include both WOFF and WOFF2 to ensure compatibility across a wide range of browsers.

.EOT Embedded OpenType

A legacy font format created for older versions of Internet Explorer.
EOT files were once necessary to ensure fonts displayed correctly on Windows-based browsers.

Use it for:

  • Legacy projects that must support outdated systems

Reality check: In modern workflows, EOT files are rarely required and can usually be ignored unless explicitly requested.

.SVG Font

A vector-based font format.
SVG fonts store glyphs as scalable vector shapes rather than traditional font outlines.

What to know:

  • Once used for early mobile browsers

  • Largely unsupported in modern web workflows

  • Superseded by WOFF and WOFF2

Use it for:

  • Almost nothing in current design or development environments

Desktop vs Web Fonts, Why the Split Exists

Fonts behave differently depending on where they’re used.
Design software needs editable, feature-rich files. Browsers need lightweight, fast-loading files that render consistently across devices.

That’s why most professional font families include:

  • OTF or TTF for design and print

  • WOFF and WOFF2 for web use

Using the correct format ensures:

  • Better performance

  • Fewer rendering issues

  • Proper licensing compliance

Quick Reference

Design and print:
.OTF (preferred), .TTF

Web use:
.WOFF, .WOFF2

Legacy only:
.EOT, .SVG

Final Thoughts

Font file types aren’t interchangeable. Each one exists to solve a specific technical need.

The simplest way to stay out of trouble:

  • Use OTF or TTF in design software

  • Use WOFF and WOFF2 on websites

  • Keep all font files clearly labelled and organised

  • Store your original font files securely, they’re part of your brand’s foundation

Good typography isn’t just about choosing the right typeface. It’s about using the right files, in the right place, for the right job.