Web deliveryWOFF2
Faster web fonts
WOFF2 compresses font data efficiently.
TTF vs WOFF2
Compressed web WOFF2 versus installed TrueType for typography delivery.
Practical notes
WOFF2 is the right delivery format for web fonts because it downloads faster.
TTF remains necessary when a font must be installed on a desktop or embedded in a document.
Criteria
TTF
WOFF2
File size & compression
Lossless
Lossless
Transparency
Not applicable
Not applicable
Animation
Not applicable
Not applicable
Editing
Created and edited in font editors
Converted from editable desktop font sources
Openness
Open
Open standard
Browser support
Universal
All modern browsers
Typical uses
Desktop fonts, Legacy web fonts, Print design, Cross-platform documents
Web fonts, High-performance typography, Icon fonts, Responsive page design
Limitations
Older feature set, Can be larger than WOFF2, Advanced layout features are limited
Not for desktop installation, Requires source fonts and conversion tools, Older browser versions need fallbacks
Attribute values come from the reviewed records on each format page.Read the methodology for source and review rules.
Use-case verdicts
Winners are conditional. A format wins only when the stated condition matches your workflow.
Sharing & deliveryTTF
Desktop installation
WOFF2 is not meant for local installation.
PrintTTF
Desktop print workflows
TTF is a normal installed font.
EditingTTF
Font editors work on TTF/OTF sources
WOFF2 is a delivery wrapper.
ArchivingTTF
Long-term font preservation
TTF is a documented desktop format.