Convert OTF to TTF
FileReshape's OTF to TTF converter redraws the PostScript (CFF) outlines of an OpenType font as TrueType outlines and keeps every other part of the font, including names, character map, kerning and ligatures. It runs in your browser and the font is not uploaded. Hinting is not converted, curves are approximated very closely, and the licence of the font still applies.
Did a file not convert correctly? E-mail [email protected], ideally with a small sample file, and it will be fixed.
Key facts
- Input: OpenType font (.otf). Output: TrueType font (.ttf).
- Your files are not uploaded: the work is done in your browser, on your own device.
- File size: fonts up to 50 MB.
- Needs a current browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) on a computer, tablet or phone; nothing to install.
- Free to use, with no sign-up.
Why convert OTF to TTF
Most OpenType fonts (.otf) store their letter shapes as PostScript outlines with cubic curves, in a table called CFF. Windows, macOS and Linux install them without trouble, but some programs only take TrueType fonts: older versions of Office and other Windows software, some games and game engines, embroidery, vinyl cutter and laser engraver software, and a few apps and devices. This tool converts the outlines of every glyph into TrueType's quadratic curves, which match the original shapes to within a fraction of a font unit, and writes a .ttf. Everything else is copied from the original font unchanged: the font and family names, the character map, the spacing, kerning, ligatures and other OpenType features, and the licence information. Because the glyph numbers stay the same, the features keep working. Convert a whole family at once and get a ZIP.
How to convert OTF to TTF
- Drop one or more .otf files in the box, or click to choose them.
- Check the font names and glyph counts in the list.
- Click Convert to TTF. One font downloads as a .ttf file; several come as a ZIP.
What to know about OTF and TTF
Hinting is not converted
PostScript and TrueType fonts use different hints to sharpen text at small pixel sizes, and the PostScript hints cannot be translated. The TTF has no hinting. On macOS, phones and high-resolution screens this makes no visible difference; on older Windows screens small text can look slightly softer.
Curves are approximated
TrueType curves are simpler than PostScript curves, so each curve is replaced by one or more TrueType curves that follow it very closely. The shapes look the same in print and on screen, but the file can be a little larger and the outlines have more points if you open the font in a font editor.
Install both at once
The TTF has the same font names as the OTF. Remove the OTF version before you install the TTF, or the system and your programs may show two fonts with the same name and pick either one.
OTF files that already are TrueType
Some .otf files contain TrueType outlines already. They need no conversion, and the tool saves them unchanged with a .ttf ending.
About the formats
OpenType font
OpenType (.otf) was developed by Microsoft and Adobe and published in 1996. An .otf file usually holds PostScript outlines in a table called CFF, drawn with cubic curves, the same way as Adobe's Type 1 fonts. Most fonts from type foundries and from Adobe are sold as OTF.
- Windows, macOS and Linux install OTF fonts just like TTF fonts.
- Some older programs, games, embroidery and cutting machine software and a few apps accept only .ttf.
- The outline format is the main difference to TTF; features such as ligatures and kerning work the same.
TrueType font
TrueType (.ttf) is the font format Apple and Microsoft introduced in 1991. Its glyphs are drawn with quadratic curves and it can carry detailed hinting instructions for sharp text at small sizes on screen. Every operating system, office suite and design program installs and uses TTF fonts.
- Installs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS without extra software.
- Since OpenType (1996) a .ttf file can hold the same OpenType features as an .otf: ligatures, kerning, small caps.
- Unlike web fonts, a TTF is not compressed, so it is usually two to three times the size of the WOFF2 version.
Frequently asked questions
Are my fonts uploaded?
No. The fonts are converted by your browser on your own device, and nothing is sent to a server. That keeps licensed fonts on your computer.
Do ligatures, kerning and special characters still work?
Yes. The tables that hold them are copied from the original font, and the glyph order is the same, so programs find the same ligatures, alternates and kerning pairs.
Can I convert variable OTF fonts?
Variable fonts with PostScript outlines (CFF2) are rare. The tool keeps only their default style, and says so. Variable TrueType fonts need no conversion.
Is OTF or TTF better?
For most uses neither: both install everywhere and support the same OpenType features. Keep the OTF when it works, and use the TTF for programs that ask for TrueType.