PFB File Converter
Online PFB File Converter - Instant Download!
Drag your file here to to upload.
Up to 250MB
How to Use PFB Converter
Step 1 – Upload PFB file
Drag your .PFB file or use the browse button.
Step 2 – Choose Format
Select the desired output format from the dropdown list.
Step 3 – Download File
Click "Convert" and download your converted file once ready.
About PFB (.PFB)
PFB stands for Printer Font Binary, a file format used to store font outlines in a binary form. These files are commonly associated with Adobe Type 1 fonts and are essential for printing high-quality text on PostScript printers. The format allows for efficient storage and faster loading compared to ASCII-based font files. Interestingly, PFB files were widely used in the desktop publishing revolution of the 1980s and 1990s.
Technical Details
The PFB format encodes font data in a segmented binary structure, separating ASCII and binary sections to optimize parsing by PostScript interpreters. It typically contains glyph outlines described using Bézier curves, hinting instructions for better display, and font metrics. The file begins with a header identifying segment types and lengths, enabling efficient reading and rendering. This binary approach contrasts with the related PFA format, which stores font data in a plain ASCII text form.
Additional Information & Use Cases
PFB files are often paired with accompanying font metrics files (AFM or PFM) to ensure proper character spacing and layout in printed documents. They are primarily utilized in professional printing environments and graphic design software. Despite newer font formats like OpenType becoming popular, PFB remains important for legacy systems and specialized printing tasks. Adobe originally developed this format to improve font handling in PostScript workflows.
