Does converting OTF to PFB reduce quality?

Converting OpenType Font to PostScript Type 1 preserves all font data including outlines, glyphs, and metrics. The conversion maintains the integrity of your font while adapting it for the target format.

What file size reduction should I expect?

File size changes depend on the specific conversion from OpenType Font to PostScript Type 1. POSTSCRIPT TYPE 1 files may be larger or smaller depending on the format's structure and metadata.

Do PFB fonts work in all browsers?

PFB (PostScript Type 1) is not supported by web browsers. It's primarily used for professional printing.

Will my font's OpenType features work after conversion?

Yes, all OpenType features are preserved during conversion. This includes ligatures, kerning pairs, alternate glyphs, small caps, and other advanced typography features. The conversion process adapts the container format while preserving all font data.

Can I convert commercial/licensed fonts?

You can convert commercial fonts for testing purposes, but you must purchase the appropriate web font license before using them on a live website. Font licenses are format-specific – a desktop license for one format doesn't automatically grant web usage rights. Always check your license agreement or contact the foundry.

How is OTF different from PFB?

OpenType Font (OTF) is an advanced format supporting cubic Bézier curves and OpenType features. PostScript Type 1 (PFB) is a format for specific applications. Choose based on your target platform and requirements.

What's the best format for my use case?

For web use, convert to WOFF2 or WOFF instead. For desktop applications or print, PFB may be appropriate. Always check the requirements of your target platform.

Can I convert variable fonts?

Yes, variable fonts can be converted between formats while preserving all variation axes and design space. The conversion maintains the font's interpolation capabilities. Ensure your target browsers support variable fonts (Chrome 62+, Firefox 62+, Safari 11+).

OTF

PFB

OTF to PFB Converter

Convert OpenType Font to PostScript Type 1. 50 MB file size, unlimited uploads. Fast, secure, and completely private conversion.

OTF to PFB50 MB File Size100% Free ForeverFastPrivateInstant Processing

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Only OTF files are accepted

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Max file size 50 MB.

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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

Convert Any Font Format

Universal Font Converter

Convert to PFB Format

Any Font to PFB

About This Conversion

Everything you need to know about converting between these formats

Source Format

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.

Target Format

PostScript Type 1

PostScript Type 1 Binary (PFB) is an Adobe font format used primarily for professional printing. It offers high-quality rendering and was the standard for desktop publishing before TrueType and OpenType became dominant.

Why Convert OTF to PFB?

Web developers optimizing fonts for faster page loads

Designers ensuring cross-platform compatibility

Publishers preparing fonts for digital distribution

Developers working with legacy browser support

How to Convert OTF to PFB

Simple 3-step process that takes less than a minute

Upload Your Font

Select your OTF 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 PFB file will be ready immediately. Download it and use it in your project.

OTF vs PFB: Feature Comparison

Technical comparison between source and target formats

Feature	OTF	PFB	Winner
File Size	180 KB	170 KB (-6%)	PFB
Windows Support	Full support	None (dropped Win10)	OTF
macOS Support	Full support	None (dropped 10.13)	OTF
OpenType Features	Full support	None	OTF
Modern Compatibility	Excellent	None	OTF
Era	Modern (current)	PostScript (1999)	OTF
Best For	All modern use	Nothing (obsolete)	OTF

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about converting OTF to PFB

1Why would I convert OTF to PFB (PostScript Type 1)?

Almost never. PFB is obsolete technology from the 1990s. Even for print, modern workflows use OTF or PDF embedding. Only convert if you have ancient RIP software that explicitly requires PostScript Type 1 and cannot be upgraded.

2Does converting OTF to PFB preserve PostScript outlines?

If your OTF uses PostScript (CFF) outlines, conversion to PFB is theoretically cleaner than from TTF. However, PFB is so limited compared to OTF that you lose far more than you gain. OpenType features, extended character sets, and modern font data are all stripped.

3Will I lose OpenType features?

Yes, completely. PostScript Type 1 (PFB) predates OpenType by decades. All advanced typography is lost: ligatures, stylistic sets, contextual alternates, small caps tables. You keep basic glyphs and kerning only.

4Does PFB work better for print than OTF?

No. Modern print workflows handle OTF perfectly and prefer it. PFB is obsolete – Adobe stopped developing PostScript Type 1 in 1999. Any print system that needs PFB is critically outdated and should be upgraded.

5Can I use PFB on modern operating systems?

Poorly or not at all. Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+ have dropped or severely limited PFB support. The fonts won't install properly. Stick with OTF for desktop use – it works everywhere PFB worked and everywhere it didn't.

6Is PFB smaller than OTF?

Sometimes slightly, but meaninglessly. PFB may be 10-20% smaller due to simpler structure, but you lose massive functionality. For web, WOFF2 is 60-70% smaller than either. For desktop/print, file size is irrelevant.

7Should I archive fonts as PFB?

Not recommended. PFB is a legacy format. Archive as OTF instead – it's the modern standard with long-term support. Use current, standardized formats for archival to ensure future compatibility.

8Can PFB be used on websites?

No. No browser has ever supported PFB/PostScript Type 1 fonts. For web use, convert OTF to WOFF2 (best compression) or WOFF (broader compatibility). PFB is a legacy print format that has been superseded.

File Size Comparison

See how file sizes change after conversion

Original (OTF)	Converted (PFB)	Change	Notes
180 KB (OTF)	170 KB (PFB)	-6% smaller	PostScript to PostScript conversion
350 KB (OTF)	325 KB (PFB)	-7% smaller	Minimal size change
100 KB (OTF)	98 KB (PFB)	-2% smaller	Similar PostScript format
700 KB (OTF)	650 KB (PFB)	-7% smaller	Consistent small reduction

Performance Metrics

Technical performance indicators for this conversion

File Size Change:-6-7% smaller
PostScript to PostScript, minimal difference
Desktop Support:0% modern systems
PFB unsupported on Windows 10+/macOS 10.13+
Performance:Non-functional
PFB doesn't install on modern OS
Feature Loss:Complete
PFB strips all OpenType features
Compatibility Loss:-100%
OTF works everywhere; PFB nowhere
Recommendation:Never convert
Keep OTF; PFB obsolete for 25 years

Implementation Examples

Production-ready code for your converted fonts

Desktop Font Installation

Installing PFB fonts on your system

/* PFB Font Installation Instructions
   * 
   * Windows:
   * 1. Right-click the pfb file
   * 2. Click "Install" or "Install for all users"
   * 3. Font available in all applications
   *
   * macOS:
   * 1. Double-click the pfb file
   * 2. Click "Install Font" in Font Book
   * 3. Font available system-wide
   *
   * Linux:
   * 1. Copy pfb 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 PFB fonts

Browser	Support	Notes
Desktop Use	N/A	PFB is for desktop applications, not browsers
Windows	Varies	Check PFB compatibility with your Windows version
macOS	Varies	Check PFB compatibility with your macOS version
Linux	Varies	Check PFB compatibility with your distribution

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions to problems you might encounter

PFB doesn't install on modern systems

Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+ have dropped PostScript Type 1 (PFB) support. The font won't install or will fail with errors. Modern systems require TTF/OTF. Converting OTF to PFB destroys compatibility. Keep OTF.

Lost all OpenType features

PFB (PostScript Type 1) predates OpenType. All modern features are stripped: ligatures, stylistic sets, contextual alternates, extended characters. If you need modern typography, keep OTF or convert to TTF, not obsolete PFB.

PostScript curves degraded

Even though PFB uses PostScript outlines, the PostScript Type 1 format is far more limited than OpenType CFF. You lose outline quality and features despite both using PostScript math. This is a format limitation.

Print software doesn't recognize PFB

Modern print workflows use TTF/OTF embedded in PDFs. PFB is obsolete even for print. If your print RIP requires PFB, the equipment is from the 1990s and should be upgraded. Use OTF or TTF in modern print systems.

This conversion shouldn't exist

You're right. OTF to PFB is a massive downgrade: modern to obsolete, full features to no features, universal compatibility to zero support. There's no valid modern use case. Keep OTF or convert to TTF for broader compatibility.

When NOT to Use PFB

Scenarios where you should keep OTF or choose a different format

Modern operating systems
Why not: Windows 10+/macOS 10.13+ dropped PFB support
Use instead: Keep OTF - works on all modern systems; PFB obsolete
OpenType features needed
Why not: PFB predates OpenType; strips all modern features
Use instead: Keep OTF to preserve all features; PFB has none
Cross-platform use
Why not: PFB barely works anywhere in 2024
Use instead: Keep OTF for universal compatibility; PFB is dead
Any use in 2024
Why not: Adobe stopped developing Type 1 in 1999 (25 years ago)
Use instead: Never convert to PFB; obsolete for a quarter century

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