DFONT to OTF Converter
Convert macOS Datafork Font to OpenType Font. 50 MB file size, unlimited uploads. Fast, secure, and completely private conversion.
Upload Fonts
Drag and drop your font files here or click to browse
Only DFONT files are accepted
Max file size 50 MB.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided as-is for convenience and does not constitute legal advice. Font licenses vary; you are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to upload and convert files and that your intended use is permitted. Converting a font does not grant new rights. Results may be imperfect, and use is at your own risk.
Developer & Verifier

Developed by
Marcus Rodriguez
Lead Developer

Verified by
Sarah Mitchell
Product Designer, Font Specialist
About This Conversion
Everything you need to know about converting between these formats
macOS Datafork Font
macOS Datafork Font is a legacy Mac format that stores font data in the resource fork. It's mainly used for compatibility with older macOS systems and classic Mac applications.
OpenType Font
OpenType Font (OTF) is an extension of TrueType, offering advanced typographic features like ligatures and alternate glyphs. It supports more characters and is preferred for professional design work due to its superior font rendering capabilities.
Why Convert DFONT to OTF?
Professional design work requiring advanced typography
Accessing extended character sets and ligatures
Desktop publishing with sophisticated font features
Creating high-quality print materials
How to Convert DFONT to OTF
Simple 3-step process that takes less than a minute
Upload Your Font
Select your DFONT font file from your computer or drag and drop it into the converter above.
Convert Instantly
Click the convert button and our tool will process your font file in server RAM only. Files are processed and immediately deleted - never written to disk.
Download Result
Your converted OTF file will be ready immediately. Download it and use it in your project.
DFONT vs OTF: Feature Comparison
Technical comparison between source and target formats
| Feature | DFONT | OTF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Size | 170 KB | 180 KB (+6%) | DFONT |
| Windows Support | None | Full support | OTF |
| macOS Support | Limited/deprecated | Full support | OTF |
| Linux Support | None | Full support | OTF |
| Cross-Platform | Mac-only | Universal | OTF |
| File Efficiency | Poor | 6% larger than TTF | Use TTF |
| Best For | Nothing (obsolete) | Desktop (use TTF) | OTF/TTF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about converting DFONT to OTF
1Should I convert DFONT to OTF or TTF?
Usually TTF unless you have specific needs. OTF has 10-30% more overhead than TTF with no functional benefit for DFONT-based fonts. TTF is smaller, more compatible. Only choose OTF if client specifically requires that format.
2Will converting DFONT to OTF add features?
No. DFONT has no OpenType features to preserve. Converting to OTF doesn't add features; it just provides a container that CAN hold them. After conversion, you can ADD features using font editing software.
3Does OTF work better on macOS than TTF?
No. Modern macOS handles TTF and OTF identically. Both are equally supported. For DFONT modernization, TTF is actually preferable: 10-30% smaller files, broader compatibility with older software, same functionality.
4Can I use converted OTF on websites?
Don't use OTF directly on websites. After DFONT → OTF conversion, convert to WOFF2 for web use. Or better: DFONT → TTF → WOFF2. This provides optimal compression and modern browser support.
5Will the converted OTF work on Windows?
Yes. DFONT doesn't work on Windows; OTF does. However, TTF has even broader Windows compatibility, especially with older software. For maximum cross-platform support, convert DFONT to TTF rather than OTF.
6Is there any advantage to OTF over TTF from DFONT?
No practical advantage. Both can hold OpenType features (which DFONT lacks). TTF is smaller and more compatible. Only convert DFONT to OTF if specifically required by client deliverables or software that rejects TTF (extremely rare).
7Does converting DFONT to OTF preserve quality?
Yes, perfectly. The font outlines, glyphs, and metrics are preserved losslessly. However, DFONT has no advanced features anyway. Quality is maintained whether you convert to TTF or OTF – TTF is just more practical.
8What's the best format to modernize DFONT files?
Convert to TTF for desktop use, then to WOFF2 for web use. TTF has maximum compatibility, smaller file size than OTF, and works everywhere. Only use OTF if you have a specific requirement for that format.
File Size Comparison
See how file sizes change after conversion
| Original (DFONT) | Converted (OTF) | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 KB (DFONT) | 180 KB (OTF) | +6% larger | OTF overhead offsets DFONT savings |
| 360 KB (DFONT) | 350 KB (OTF) | -3% smaller | Similar sizes |
| 95 KB (DFONT) | 100 KB (OTF) | +5% larger | Minimal difference |
| 750 KB (DFONT) | 700 KB (OTF) | -7% smaller | Slight reduction for large fonts |
Performance Metrics
Technical performance indicators for this conversion
- File Size Change:+5-7% larger
OTF overhead offsets DFONT overhead removal
- Cross-Platform Gain:+200%
OTF works on Windows/Mac/Linux; DFONT Mac-only
- Desktop Performance:Excellent
OTF performs perfectly everywhere
- Modernization Value:Critical
Brings Mac OS 9 fonts to modern systems
- Application Compatibility:Universal
OTF works in all modern applications
- Recommendation:Use TTF instead
TTF 10-20% smaller than OTF with same functionality
Implementation Examples
Production-ready code for your converted fonts
Desktop Font Installation
Installing OTF fonts on your system
/* OTF Font Installation Instructions
*
* Windows:
* 1. Right-click the otf file
* 2. Click "Install" or "Install for all users"
* 3. Font available in all applications
*
* macOS:
* 1. Double-click the otf file
* 2. Click "Install Font" in Font Book
* 3. Font available system-wide
*
* Linux:
* 1. Copy otf file to ~/.fonts/ or /usr/share/fonts/
* 2. Run: fc-cache -f -v
* 3. Font available in all applications
*
* Use in applications:
* Select font from dropdown in:
* - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
* - Word, PowerPoint, Excel
* - Any desktop application
*/Browser Compatibility
Which browsers support OTF fonts
| Browser | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Use | N/A | OTF is for desktop applications, not web browsers |
| Windows | All versions | OTF works; DFONT doesn't work on Windows |
| macOS | All versions | OTF preferred over obsolete DFONT |
| Linux | All distros | OTF works; DFONT doesn't work on Linux |
| Applications | Universal | Modernized cross-platform fonts from Mac-only DFONT |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Solutions to problems you might encounter
File size increased 10-30%
OTF has more overhead than TTF. If you need desktop fonts from DFONT, convert to TTF instead – it's smaller and more compatible. Only convert to OTF if client specifically requires that format. TTF works identically for DFONT-based fonts.
DFONT had no features to preserve
DFONT predates OpenType. The conversion creates OTF structure but with minimal features. After conversion, you can add OpenType features using font editing software. However, starting with TTF gives smaller files with same capability.
Why convert to OTF instead of TTF?
Usually you shouldn't. DFONT contains basic outline data that converts better to TTF (smaller, more compatible). Only choose OTF if client requires it. For general modernization of DFONT files, TTF is the better target.
Character encoding issues
DFONT uses legacy Mac encoding. Ensure your converter properly maps to Unicode. Check the OTF in a font viewer to verify character assignments. Some characters may map incorrectly – verify critical glyphs after conversion.
OTF doesn't work on Windows
OTF should work on Windows. If it doesn't, the conversion may have created Mac-specific OTF structure. Try converting DFONT to TTF instead – it has better cross-platform compatibility, especially for older Windows systems.
When NOT to Use OTF
Scenarios where you should keep DFONT or choose a different format
File size matters
Why not: OTF is 5-7% larger than TTF from DFONT with no benefitsUse instead: Convert DFONT to TTF instead of OTF (smaller, more compatible)Maximum compatibility
Why not: TTF has broader support than OTF in older systemsUse instead: Convert to TTF instead of OTF from DFONT sourcesArchival purposes
Why not: If maintaining historical Mac OS 9 collectionsUse instead: Keep DFONT archived; convert to TTF (not OTF) for use
Related Conversions
Other font conversions you might need
DFONT to TTF
Convert to TTF instead (smaller, better)
DFONT to WOFF2
Modernize DFONT to WOFF2 for web
OTF to DFONT
Reverse: Convert OTF to DFONT (not recommended)
OTF to TTF
Convert OTF to TTF
OTF to WOFF2
Convert OTF to WOFF2
TTF to OTF
Convert TTF to OTF
