---
title: ".ttf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .ttf file is a TrueType Font. The font format Apple and Microsoft built in 1991 — double-click to install. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/ttf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .ttf files

**.ttf file: TrueType Font**

The font format Apple and Microsoft built in 1991 — double-click to install.

## What opens a .ttf file

- **Windows:** Windows Font Viewer (built in — double-click, then Install), FontForge
- **macOS:** Font Book (built in), FontForge
- **Linux:** Fonts / GNOME Font Viewer (built in), Font Manager, FontForge

## What a .ttf file is

TrueType uses quadratic curves and includes hinting instructions that keep letterforms crisp at small sizes on screen. Every operating system installs one from a double-click and a button in the preview window. Fonts are licensed software, not just files, so bundling one with a document or a website is often restricted regardless of the format.

## Converting it

A .ttf file is commonly converted to .otf, .woff, .woff2 or .eot. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .ttf
- **Full name:** TrueType Font
- **Category:** Fonts
- **MIME type:** font/ttf
- **Created by:** Apple / Microsoft
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .ttf file?

On Windows use Windows Font Viewer (built in — double-click, then Install); on macOS use Font Book (built in); on Linux use Fonts / GNOME Font Viewer (built in). The font format Apple and Microsoft built in 1991 — double-click to install.

### What is a .ttf file?

TrueType Font. TrueType uses quadratic curves and includes hinting instructions that keep letterforms crisp at small sizes on screen. Every operating system installs one from a double-click and a button in the preview window.

### Can I convert a .ttf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .otf, .woff, .woff2 or .eot, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.otf — OpenType Font](https://atoneplace.net/file/otf/)
- [.woff2 — Web Open Font Format 2](https://atoneplace.net/file/woff2/)
- [.woff — Web Open Font Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/woff/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)