TTF File Extension

What is the .TTF file type?

The key association of the .ttf extension goes together with the TrueType Font (TTF) file format/type. TrueType is the name of the computer font format developed by Apple in 1980's and later adopted by Microsoft in its Microsoft Windows OS'es. Later, TrueType was expanded into OpenType to include Unicode support, provide better compression, take advantage of improved typographics and advanced kerning, etc.

A vector font format, TrueType is based upon storing a set of shape-defining points for each character referenced to draw curves that make up a symbol. TrueType/OpenType fonts require rasterization, during which various enhancements like sub-pixel smoothing, kerning, hinting, etc. are applied. Those are based on the hinting and kerning information usually contained in TTF font files.

A .ttf file is a TrueType/OpenType font. All modern OS'es are capable of using such fonts and provide tools to handle TTF files. For instance, MS Windows supports TrueType/OpenType fonts natively and handles TTF font files by means of a Control Panel applet. There are multiple editors, organizers, and font design tools to create, edit, and organize TTF fonts.

Another association of the .ttf extension is tied up with the Tabular Text File (TTF) file type and format used with Altera Quartus II, the industry-leading CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) design and circuit simulation tool by Altera. With Quartus II, a .ttf file is textual representation of tabular data in the decimal notation, a plaintext equivalent of the Raw Binary File (.rbf) format.

Software to open or convert TTF files

IrfanView by Irfan Skiljan

 

IrfanView

 

ACDSee

 

ACDSee Pro by ACD Systems Ltd.

 

ACDSee Quick View

 

Free File Viewer Pro

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