Convert AFM Font Free

How to Convert Files

An AFM file holds a PostScript font's metrics as plain text, with no outlines at all. This page explains what that means for conversion.

Inside an AFM File

AFM, Adobe Font Metrics, is not a font. It is a plain-text file listing measurements: the width of every character, the kerning pairs, the bounding boxes, and the general metrics of the typeface. There are no outlines in it whatsoever.

It exists because Type 1 fonts split their information across files. The outlines live in a PFA or PFB, and the metrics live alongside in an AFM or PFM, so typesetting software could lay out text without loading the glyph data at all.

Metrics Without a Face

That split is why an AFM on its own cannot become a usable font. Converting one to TTF or OTF has nothing to draw: you would produce a font with correct spacing and no letters.

The metrics are still worth keeping. When converting the matching PFB or PFA, the AFM supplies the kerning pairs and widths that make the result set text the way the original did. Treat it as one half of a pair, not a font in itself.

Origin and Development

AFM was created by Adobe in 1984 to address the need for a standardized way to describe font metrics for Type 1 fonts. Prior to AFM, font metrics were inconsistent, making it difficult for software to render text accurately. AFM provided a clear format for specifying character widths, kerning pairs, and other metrics, facilitating better font handling across different applications and platforms.

As desktop publishing gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, AFM files became essential for developers and designers. The format was widely adopted in various software applications and contributed to the standardization of font metrics. Tools for converting AFM to other formats emerged, ensuring compatibility with different types of font rendering systems, further embedding AFM in the typography ecosystem.

Using AFM Effectively

Choose AFM when precise character metrics and kerning information are required without the need for font outlines. It is particularly useful in workflows involving typesetting and layout applications that require accurate spacing. AFM files can be directly utilized by software that supports Type 1 fonts, making them a reliable choice for developers working with legacy systems or specialized typography projects.

When converting to or from AFM, be aware that AFM files do not contain visual data. Ensure that you have access to the corresponding font outlines in another format, such as PFB or TTF, to create a usable font. Some tools may not support AFM, leading to compatibility issues. Always check for the latest software updates or plugins that enhance AFM compatibility to streamline your workflow.