OTF Types

Principal OTF Type

.OTF

File ID:	.otf
File Type:	OpenType Font

The OTF file extension is a font file type that is developed initially by Microsoft then acquired by Adobe. The Font file format is a file type that is used to store glyphs and symbols. The OTF file extension is well recognized by its use for font file type format. Both aspects of postscript and TrueType font format is combined in the OTF file type and is fully scalable, that means that the Font type will not lose its quality when it is resized. In 1996 the open type was first announced and it is supported by Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.

Developer:	Open Source
File Category:	Font Files
Entry:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.otf

Software Programs That Open The OpenType Font:

FontForge by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

FontCreator by High-Logic B.V.

Windows

FontLab Studio by FontLab

Windows

Mac

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Understanding OTF Issues

Common OTF Opening Problems

FontForge Isn't There

When you double-click your OTF file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". Customarily, this means that FontForge is not installed on %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your OTF with FontForge, so double-clicking the file won't work.

Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your OTF, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").

Obsolete Version of FontForge

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of FontForge installed that's incompatible with your OpenType Font type. Download the latest FontForge version from the Open Source website to ensure you have the correct one installed. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.

Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your OTF file and clicking "Properties".

Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening OTF files are due to having the wrong version of FontForge installed.

Other Causes of OTF File Opening Problems

Assuming you have the right FontForge version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening OTF files. If you are continuing to have errors with loading OTF files, other external issues might be to blame. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Windows Registry OTF file paths that are incorrect
• The OTF file description within the Windows Registry was removed
• Defective install of a OTF program, such as FontForge
• The OTF itself is corrupted
• The OTF is infected with a virus
• Drivers associated with OTF software need to be updated
• Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the OpenType Font file