WOFF File Extension

What is WOFF file?

WOFF (Web Open Font Format) is a open format for storing web fonts czcionek internetowych ; it was developed in 2009. WOFF files contain compressed (with ZLIB) fonts in TrueType ( TTF ) and OpenType ( OTF ) format. WOFF format supports font licensing information, which is required in order to be able to use the fonts.

Popularity of WOFF files

WOFF files are used for deploying custom fonts for websites. WOFF is the most common font format used by web designers. Open standard and full support by many web browsers (latest versions) are the main reasons for its popularity.

WOFF format design

WOFF format was designed with two goals in mind. The first goal was to distinguish fonts for websites from those used by locally installed applications, which use fonts installed on the local disk. The second goal was to reduce web font latency when fonts are transferred form a server to a client.

Additional information

1. WOFF files are reference within CSS files using ‘font-face’ command.
2. WOFF format was later replaced with newer version, WOFF2, which features an updated compression scheme.

Programs which support WOFF file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with WOFF files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. WOFF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/15/2020

How to open file with WOFF extension?

Problems with accessing WOFF may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with WOFF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with WOFF files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Internet Explorer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WOFF files is that no program that can handle WOFF files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Internet Explorer or one of the recommended programs (for example, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support WOFF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Internet Explorer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer

If the problems with opening WOFF files still occur even after installing Microsoft Internet Explorer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Internet Explorer is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Microsoft Internet Explorer installed, it may not support WOFF format. The latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Web Open Font Format files with Microsoft Internet Explorer

After installing Microsoft Internet Explorer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open WOFF files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the WOFF file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Internet Explorer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WOFF files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected WOFF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Internet Explorer and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with WOFF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the WOFF file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the WOFF file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the WOFF in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the WOFF is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the WOFF file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the WOFF file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic WOFF file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with WOFF extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Web Open Font Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Internet Explorer

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support WOFF files. Close all running programs and try opening the WOFF file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Web Open Font Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle WOFF files.

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