Convert PFM Font Free

How to Convert Files

Convert PFM font metric files, with their outline data, to modern font formats in your browser, with all processing done locally on your device.

What a PFM font file holds

As a font file, PFM stands for Printer Font Metrics, a Windows companion file for a PostScript Type 1 font. It does not contain glyph outlines; instead it holds the metric information Windows needs, such as character widths and kerning, to lay out text set in the font.

A Type 1 font on Windows came in two parts: the PFB file with the actual outlines, and the PFM file with the metrics and Windows-specific font information. The system read the PFM to know how wide each character is and how the font should appear in menus, pairing it with the PFB for rendering.

Strengths and limits

The PFM gave Windows exactly the metric and descriptive data it needed to use a PostScript font correctly, complementing the outline file so text spaced and displayed properly.

It is only half a font: without its matching PFB outline file it cannot render anything. It is also a legacy Type 1 companion, and modern OpenType fonts carry metrics internally, so standalone PFM files are obsolete.

Origin and Evolution of PFM

PFM was developed in the late 1980s by Adobe and Microsoft as part of the PostScript Type 1 font specification. The format was created to address the need for metric data to support accurate text rendering in Windows environments. Prior to PFM, Windows lacked a standardized way to utilize PostScript fonts effectively, leading to issues with text layout and spacing.

As PostScript fonts gained popularity, PFM files became essential for Windows users. The format was integrated into various software applications and printing systems, facilitating better compatibility with desktop publishing tools. Over time, PFM remained a staple in font management, with tools evolving to support its use, including font installers and management utilities that streamline the integration of PFM files into Windows systems.

Using PFM Files Effectively

Choose PFM when working with PostScript Type 1 fonts in Windows environments. It is essential for ensuring proper text layout, especially in graphic design and desktop publishing. If you are using alternative formats like TTF or OTF, be aware that they may not require a companion metrics file, which can simplify workflows but may limit certain typographic features.

When converting to or from PFM, ensure that the corresponding PFB outline file is available, as the two are complementary. Be cautious of compatibility issues with older software that may not fully support PFM files. Use font management tools to verify metrics and ensure accurate rendering. Additionally, keep in mind that PFM files do not contain glyph outlines, so they cannot be used independently of their associated PFB files.

Working with PFM font files

You will meet PFM files alongside PFB files in older Windows PostScript Type 1 font installations.

To modernise the font, combine the PFM metrics with its PFB outlines in a font tool such as FontForge and generate an OpenType font, which bundles outlines and metrics in a single file.