Convert UFO Font Free

How to Convert Files

Convert UFO font sources to and from installable font formats in your browser. Everything is processed locally on your device.

What a UFO holds

UFO, the Unified Font Object, is an open, application-independent source format for fonts. Unlike a single binary font file, a UFO is a folder containing a set of human-readable XML files, one structure per aspect of the font, designed to be a portable interchange format between type-design tools.

The UFO stores glyph outlines, metrics, kerning, and font information as separate plain-text files inside the folder, so different applications can read and write the same source without a proprietary lock-in. This openness made it a common working and interchange format across modern type-design software.

Strengths and limits

UFO's open, text-based, tool-neutral design makes it excellent for collaboration and version control, and for moving a font source between editors without losing data, which is why it is widely used in professional and open-source type design.

It is a source format, not an installable font: operating systems and applications cannot use a UFO directly, so it must be compiled into TTF, OTF, or a web format. Being a folder of files rather than one file also makes it less convenient to pass around casually.

History of UFO

The Unified Font Object (UFO) format was developed by the type-design community in the early 2000s. It emerged as a solution to the limitations of proprietary font formats, which often hindered collaboration and data interchange between different design tools. UFO was designed to be open and flexible, allowing for easier sharing and modification of font data across various platforms.

As UFO gained traction, it became a standard format in open-source font design projects. Its adoption was facilitated by the development of various tools and libraries that supported UFO, such as FontForge and Glyphs. Over time, UFO has evolved with contributions from the community, leading to enhancements in its structure and features, ensuring it remains relevant in modern font design workflows.

Practical Use of UFO

Choose UFO when you require a format that supports collaboration across different font design tools. Its text-based nature allows for easy version control and auditing. Common workflows involve using UFO for initial design, followed by conversion to formats like TTF or OTF for distribution. UFO is particularly beneficial in environments where multiple designers contribute to a single project.

Be aware of compatibility issues when converting to and from UFO. Some proprietary tools may not fully support all UFO features, potentially leading to data loss during conversion. It is advisable to maintain backups of your UFO files and to test the output in various applications. Familiarize yourself with the UFO structure to effectively manage font components and to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the conversion process.

Working with UFO sources

You will encounter UFO in modern type-design workflows and open-source font projects, often alongside build tools that compile it.

To use the font, compile the UFO into an OTF or TTF with font-build tools, or into WOFF2 for the web. Keep the UFO as the editable master for ongoing design work.