What is a .ttf file?
TrueType Font · Font · Apple / Microsoft · 1991
TTF is the classic desktop font format, supported by every operating system. It stores letter shapes as outlines that stay sharp at any size, which is why so many system and downloaded fonts are TrueType.
What is a .ttf file used for?
A TTF holds the outlines of every character in a typeface plus hinting that keeps text crisp at small sizes.
It installs on Windows, macOS and Linux with a double-click and works in virtually all software, making it the safe default for desktop fonts.
On the web, TTF has largely been replaced by the compressed WOFF2, which downloads much faster.
How to open a .ttf file
The .ttf format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .ttf file.
Windows
- Windows Font Viewer (double-click)
- FontForge
macOS
- Font Book
- FontForge
Linux
- Font viewer
- FontForge
Web
- Used via @font-face, prefer WOFF2
How to convert a .ttf file
You can convert a .ttf file to OTF, WOFF, WOFF2 using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.ttf file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .ttf file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for TTF. For a full breakdown, see the TTF file signature page.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 00 01 00 00 00 | 0 | TrueType outlines |
| 74 72 75 65 | 0 | 'true' (older Mac) |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .ttf file?
TTF is the classic desktop font format, supported by every operating system. It stores letter shapes as outlines that stay sharp at any size, which is why so many system and downloaded fonts are TrueType.
How do I install a TTF font?
Double-click the file and choose Install, or drag it into your system's font folder. On Mac, use Font Book.