Opentype and TrueType are the most widely handy typefaces in the digital world. Most fonts are built from a combination of these two technologies.
They use the same font file format, but Opentype has extra libraries for more advanced typographic features. Opentype is more complex and likely to offer more excellent typographic options, while Truetype is simpler and will be faster to use. Ultimately, it comes down to what you need and want from your font.
We will help you understand how to choose the right font for your next design project, the differences between them, and which is best for your next design project. Let’s get to the comparison of Opentype Vs Truetype. Opentype and Truetype are two types of TrueType fonts.
Difference Between Opentype Vs Truetype
OpenType and TrueType are two different font formats that have their own distinct characteristics. The key difference between the two lies in their capabilities and flexibility. OpenType fonts, as the name suggests, offer a more open and versatile format.
They support a wide range of languages, including complex scripts, and include advanced typographic features such as ligatures, stylistic alternates, and small caps. On the other hand, TrueType fonts are simpler in structure and do not offer as many advanced typographic features.
They are primarily designed for basic text rendering and do not support complex scripts as well as OpenType fonts. Ultimately, the choice between OpenType and TrueType will depend on your specific design needs and requirements. Here are detailed discussion on Opentype Vs Truetype below:
What Is Opentype?
OpenType is a standard for many advanced typography features in your digital publications. Using OpenType, you can create custom ligatures and alignments (such as kerning pairs), smooth cueing of individual characters, options to control the background color of text blocks/groups, proportional spacing algorithms with tracking adjustments (including Helvetica space-eating ones!), and more.
You can also define any character not included in the standard font chart (say, emojis) and control its appearance—but only with OpenType fonts.
Feature Of Opentype
- OpenType includes over 2000 special effects, such as drop shadows
- 3D-effect text flowing over images (called ‘wraparound’)
- Transparency effects
- Transparent backgrounds behind any typeface in your document
- Irregular weight/thickness of some characters with varying width, direction, and stem; kerns for all typeface’s accent glyphs
- Mathematical control over face thickness (thickness); D.S./D.O.G balancing (‘horizontal alternates’) for capital letters so you can adjust the horizontal reading angle between two fonts in your layout or web pages without breaking up words into awkward pairs on opposite sides of the page or leaving lots of space above each pair.
Use Of Opentype
To use Opentype fonts, you will need to have software that supports this format, such as Adobe Creative Suite or Microsoft Office. Once you have the software installed, you can access the various features of Opentype by selecting the text you want to modify and opening the font settings panel. From there, you can access a range of options, including ligatures, alternate characters, swashes, and more.
These features allow you to customize your typography and create unique and visually appealing designs. Whether you’re designing a logo, creating a poster, or working on a website, Opentype fonts can elevate your typography game and add an extra touch of creativity to your work.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Opentype
Since your text can have many more effects than a single typeface’s standard features, you hardly need to create separate versions of individual fonts for every effect or use variations on traditional caps/lowercase glyphs. Plus, the Opentype features to deal with your document layout program’s memory requirements. Because OpenType is based on Unicode, it understands almost every character you need. Advantages and disadvantages of OpenType:
Advantages
- Create their custom variations.
- Another benefit to using an open-source font
- determines the required font size (for easy changes via markup or graphics) and/or which opentype features for rendering.
- If a conventional computer system does not yet have them in its installed fonts, it is simple to print out their outlines instead of relying on what’s available until version 1.1.
- Ease of creating different versions (with or without footnote numbers, etc.)
- Consists primarily of 5 feature sets for special characters
Disadvantages
- Large size (14-17k)
- An exact font is described by the outline rather than a detailed painting which may be difficult to copy or have related variations depending on the device.
- Specifically requires particular combinations of OpenType features for rendering when designing to work as expected in a context where usage varies, and user expectations are unpredictable, like online content.
What Is Truetype?
TrueType is a font technology developed by Apple and Microsoft in the 1980s. It revolutionized the world of digital typography by providing a scalable and high-quality font solution. Unlike older bitmap fonts, TrueType fonts are based on mathematical outlines that can be scaled to any size without losing clarity or sharpness.
This means that TrueType fonts can be handy in a wide range of applications, from desktop publishing to web design. With their smooth curves and precise shapes, TrueType fonts have become the standard for digital typography, ensuring that text looks crisp and professional across different devices and platforms.
Feature Of Truetype
- Widely supported by various operating systems and applications
- Can contain both bitmap and outline fonts
- Scalable and can be resized without loss of quality
- Supports advanced typography features such as ligatures, swashes, and alternate characters
- Can include international character sets and language-specific features
- Easy to install and use
Use Of Truetype
Truetype is a popular font format that is widely handy in the digital world. To use Truetype fonts, you will first need to download and install them on your computer or device. Once installed, you can then access and utilize these fonts in various applications such as word processors, graphic design software, and web development tools.
To use Truetype fonts effectively, it is important to consider factors such as font size, spacing, and readability to ensure that your text appears visually appealing and professional. Additionally, it is always a good idea to test your selected Truetype fonts across different devices and platforms to ensure consistent display and compatibility. By following these steps, you can harness the power of Truetype fonts to enhance your designs and create visually captivating content.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Truetype
TrueType is a font format that Apple and Microsoft developed. It has become one of the most widely used font formats due to its versatility and compatibility with different operating systems. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using TrueType fonts:
Advantages of TrueType:
- TrueType fonts are widely supported across different operating systems and software applications, making them highly compatible.
- They offer a high level of scalability, allowing the fonts to resize without losing quality or clarity.
- TrueType fonts can easily customize and edited using font editing software, giving users more flexibility in creating unique designs.
- They have a compact file size, making them efficient to use and load on websites or in documents.
Disadvantages of TrueType:
- TrueType fonts may have limitations in terms of advanced typographic features and language support.
- Some TrueType fonts may not render as accurately at small sizes or low resolutions, resulting in less legible text.
- Due to their widespread usage, some TrueType fonts may lack uniqueness and originality, as many designers and organizations commonly use them.
How To Choose Between Opentype And Truetype Fonts
Choosing between Opentype and Truetype fonts can be a daunting task, but with these five tips, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. By considering these factors, you can choose the font format that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
1.Consider compatibility: Opentype fonts are widely supported by modern operating systems and design software, making them a safe choice for cross-platform compatibility. Truetype fonts, on the other hand, have broader support across older systems.
2.Evaluate language support: Opentype fonts typically offer extensive language support, including special characters and diacritics. If you require multilingual typography, Opentype might be the better option.
3.Assess typographic features: Opentype fonts often include advanced typographic features like ligatures, swashes, and stylistic alternates. If you need more design flexibility and creativity in your typography, Opentype may be the way to go.
4.Consider file size: Truetype fonts tend to have smaller file sizes compared to Opentype fonts. If file size is a concern for your project or website performance, Truetype might be a more efficient choice.
5.Examine licensing restrictions: Some font foundries may restrict the use of their fonts in certain formats or limit the number of installations for Truetype or Opentype fonts. Make sure to review the licensing agreements before making your decision to ensure compliance with any usage restrictions.
How To Download Opentype And Truetype
When downloading OpenType and TrueType fonts, the process is relatively straightforward. Both font formats can be easily found and downloaded from various online sources. To download an OpenType or TrueType font, simply search for the desired font on a reputable font website or marketplace.
Once you have found the font you want, click on the download button or link provided. The font file will typically be in a compressed format (such as .zip), so you will need to extract the files before installing them on your computer.
To do this, right-click on the compressed file and select “Extract All” or use a file extraction program like WinRAR or 7-Zip. Once the files are extracted, you can install the fonts by double-clicking on the font file and selecting the “Install” button. After installation, the fonts should be available for use in any compatible software program.
Opentype Vs Truetype: Which Is Better?
The debate between Opentype and Truetype fonts has been ongoing in the design community for years. Both font formats have their strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to determine which one is truly better.
Opentype fonts, for example, offer more advanced typographic features and can support a wider range of languages. On the other hand, Truetype fonts are widely supported across different platforms and are generally more compatible with older systems.
Ultimately, the choice between Opentype and Truetype fonts will depend on the specific needs of your project and the platforms on which you intend to use them. It’s always a good idea to test both formats and consider factors such as compatibility, language support, and typographic features before making a decision.
Can Android Use OTF Font?
Yes, Android devices are capable of using OTF (OpenType) fonts. OTF is a font format that supports advanced typographic features and can be handy on various operating systems, including Android.
However, it is important to note that not all Android devices may support all the features of OTF fonts. It is recommended to test the font on different Android devices to ensure compatibility and proper rendering before using it in an application or website. Additionally, it is always a good practice to provide fallback fonts for better cross-platform compatibility.
Do All Browsers Support OTF?
Not all browsers support the OTF (OpenType Font) format. While most modern browsers do have some level of support for OTF fonts, it is not universal across all browsers and versions. It is always recommended to check the browser compatibility before using OTF fonts on a website.
Some popular browsers that currently support OTF fonts include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. However, older versions of Internet Explorer may not fully support OTF fonts, so it is important to consider alternative font formats or provide fallback options for users who are using incompatible browsers.
Which Browsers Support TTF?
TTF (TrueType Font) is a widely supported font format that is compatible with most modern web browsers. The majority of popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, fully support TTF fonts without any issues.
Additionally, TTF fonts are also compatible with Safari, Opera, and other less common web browsers. This widespread support for TTF fonts ensures that web designers and developers have the flexibility to utilize a wide range of font options when designing websites and web applications.
Conclusion
When choosing between OpenType and TrueType fonts, it’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Both font formats have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. OpenType fonts offer extensive character sets, advanced typographic features, and cross-platform compatibility.
On the other hand, TrueType fonts are widely supported and can be easily handy on different operating systems. Ultimately, the choice between OpenType vs TrueType will depend on factors such as the complexity of your design, the software you use, and the platforms you target. By understanding the differences between these font formats, you can make an informed decision that best suits your design goals.
FAQs:
1.Which Is Better, Truetype Or Opentype?
Ans: TrueType is the older format of typefaces and tends to be more standardized. This means it has a broader range of characters supported by font-makers, making it easier to type on a computer.
On the other hand, OpenType is a newer format that supports extended characters and multiple languages. While there are pros and cons to both formats, overall, you can consider OpenType to be better in terms of typesetting performance and readability on high-resolution displays.
2.What’s The Difference Between Truetype And Opentype?
Ans: The main difference between TrueType and OpenType font formats is that the OpenType font format supports higher-quality text rendering. Other advantages of OpenType over TrueType include improved glyph substitution, better error detection, faster loading times, and greater compatibility with legacy software applications.
The main advantage of OpenType over Open Type font format is its ability to support multiple languages and fonts with the same file size.
3.How Do I Convert My Truetype Fonts To Opentype Format?
Ans: You must download and install font conversion software to convert your Truetype fonts to OpenType format. Many free and paid options are available online, so it’s best to research first.
4.Is Using Opentype Necessary For Quality Typesetting?
Ans: There are benefits to using OpenType for typesetting, including improved legibility, type features that you can customize, better font performance on large displays, and the potential to use a broader range of fonts.
However, there are also some disadvantages – including increased file size, a more complex setup process, and possible errors during conversion. So while OpenType may be the best option for quality typesetting, weighing the pros and cons before deciding is essential.
5.What Is Opentype, And How Is It Different From Truetype?
Ans: OpenType is a typeface design specification that Adobe created. It offers better performance in terms of loading time and overall user experience when used as font formats in web fonts. In addition, web designers increasingly use OpenType because it offers more versatile features than Truetype.
