Does converting PFB to OTF reduce quality?

Converting PostScript Type 1 to OpenType Font 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 PostScript Type 1 to OpenType Font. OPENTYPE FONT files may be larger or smaller depending on the format's structure and metadata.

Do OTF fonts work in all browsers?

OTF fonts are supported by all modern operating systems and browsers for desktop use. For web use, consider converting to WOFF or WOFF2.

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 PFB different from OTF?

PostScript Type 1 (PFB) is a font format with specific use cases. OpenType Font (OTF) is a professional format with advanced typography. 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, OTF 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+).

PFB

OTF

PFB to OTF Converter

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

PFB to OTF50 MB File Size100% Free ForeverFastPrivateInstant Processing

Upload Fonts

Drag and drop your font files here or click to browse

Only PFB 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 OTF Format

Any Font to OTF

About This Conversion

Everything you need to know about converting between these formats

Source 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.

Target 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.

Why Convert PFB 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 PFB to OTF

Simple 3-step process that takes less than a minute

Upload Your Font

Select your PFB 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.

PFB vs OTF: Feature Comparison

Technical comparison between source and target formats

Feature	PFB	OTF	Winner
File Size	145 KB	180 KB (+24%)	PFB
Windows Support	None (obsolete)	Full support	OTF
macOS Support	None (obsolete)	Full support	OTF
OpenType Features	None	Full support	OTF
Modern Compatibility	None (obsolete)	Excellent	OTF
File Efficiency	N/A (obsolete)	24% larger than TTF	Use TTF
Best For	Nothing (obsolete)	Desktop (use TTF)	OTF/TTF

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about converting PFB to OTF

1Should I convert PFB to OTF or TTF?

Usually TTF unless you specifically need OTF. PFB uses PostScript curves, which can map to OTF (CFF) or TTF. However, TTF is more compatible and widely supported. Only choose OTF if you specifically need PostScript outlines preserved.

2Does OTF preserve PostScript curves from PFB better?

Yes, technically. OTF can use CFF (PostScript) outlines, maintaining the original curve format from PFB. However, for practical use, TTF conversion works equally well. The visual result is identical; only the mathematics differ.

3Will the converted OTF work on all platforms?

Yes. OTF has broad support, but TTF has even broader compatibility, especially with older software. For maximum compatibility from PFB, convert to TTF. Only use OTF if you specifically need to preserve PostScript outlines.

4Can I add OpenType features after converting PFB to OTF?

Yes! That's a major benefit. PFB has no OpenType features; OTF supports them fully. After conversion, use font editing software to add ligatures, stylistic sets, and modern typography that PFB could never support.

5Is OTF better for print than TTF from PFB?

No. Modern print workflows handle both equally well. The curve format (PostScript vs TrueType) doesn't affect print quality. Choose based on compatibility needs: TTF for maximum compatibility, OTF if preserving PostScript outlines matters.

6Can I use converted OTF on websites?

Don't use OTF directly on websites. After PFB → OTF conversion, convert to WOFF2 for web use. Or: PFB → TTF → WOFF2. This provides optimal compression and modern browser support.

7Does OTF preserve quality better than TTF from PFB?

Quality is identical. Both conversions are lossless. OTF preserves PostScript curve format; TTF converts to TrueType. Visual output is pixel-perfect identical either way. Choose based on compatibility needs, not quality.

8What's the best format to modernize PFB files?

For maximum compatibility: PFB → TTF. For preserving PostScript outlines: PFB → OTF. For web: PFB → TTF → WOFF2. Most users should choose TTF – it works everywhere and supports full OpenType features.

File Size Comparison

See how file sizes change after conversion

Original (PFB)	Converted (OTF)	Change	Notes
145 KB (PFB)	180 KB (OTF)	+24% larger	OTF adds OpenType structure
285 KB (PFB)	350 KB (OTF)	+23% larger	Consistent overhead
82 KB (PFB)	100 KB (OTF)	+22% larger	OpenType metadata adds size
570 KB (PFB)	700 KB (OTF)	+23% larger	Proportional increase

Performance Metrics

Technical performance indicators for this conversion

Desktop Performance:Excellent
OTF performs well in all applications
Application Load Time:<100ms
Local fonts load nearly instantly
Render Quality:Perfect
Desktop fonts render with full quality

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; PFB unsupported in Windows 10+
macOS	All versions	OTF works; PFB unsupported in macOS 10.13+
Linux	All distros	Full OTF support; PFB rarely supported
Applications	Universal	Modernized fonts from obsolete PostScript

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions to problems you might encounter

Should I preserve PostScript curves?

If using OTF with CFF (PostScript) outlines, yes, curves are preserved. However, many converters create TrueType-based OTF. For modernizing PFB, TTF is usually sufficient. Only use PostScript OTF if you specifically need to maintain curve format.

File size increased

OTF has more overhead than TTF or PFB. For general modernization of PFB files, TTF is often better: 10-30% smaller than OTF with identical functionality. Only choose OTF if you need to preserve PostScript outlines or client requires it.

PFB had minimal features

PostScript Type 1 predates OpenType. Basic glyphs and kerning are preserved, but advanced features didn't exist. After converting to OTF, you can add ligatures, stylistic sets, and other OpenType features using font editing software.

Why OTF instead of TTF?

Usually TTF is better for PFB modernization: smaller, more compatible. Only choose OTF if: (1) You want to preserve PostScript curves (CFF), (2) Client specifically requires OTF, or (3) You need features only available in OTF (rare).

Hinting needs to be recreated

PostScript Type 1 hints don't translate to OpenType. You'll need to re-hint the font using font editing software. For PostScript-flavored OTF, use PS hinting; for TrueType-flavored OTF, use TT hinting.

When NOT to Use OTF

Scenarios where you should keep PFB or choose a different format

File size matters
Why not: OTF is 20-25% larger than TTF from PFB
Use instead: Convert PFB to TTF instead of OTF (smaller, more compatible)
Maximum compatibility
Why not: TTF has broader support than OTF in older systems
Use instead: Convert to TTF instead of OTF from PFB sources
Archival purposes
Why not: If maintaining historical PostScript collections
Use instead: Keep PFB archived; convert to TTF (not OTF) for use

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