Does converting PFB to SVG reduce quality?

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

Do SVG fonts work in all browsers?

SVG fonts had limited support and are now deprecated. Chrome removed support in 2015. Use WOFF/WOFF2 instead.

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 SVG?

PostScript Type 1 (PFB) is a font format with specific use cases. SVG Font (SVG) 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, SVG 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

SVG

PFB to SVG Converter

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

PFB to SVG50 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 SVG Format

Any Font to SVG

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

SVG Font

SVG Fonts are defined using Scalable Vector Graphics markup and can be styled with CSS. They were primarily used for older mobile browsers but are now deprecated in favor of WOFF/WOFF2 for better performance.

Why Convert PFB to SVG?

Supporting very old mobile browsers

Creating icon fonts with CSS styling capabilities

Working with legacy web projects

Achieving pixel-perfect rendering at small sizes

How to Convert PFB to SVG

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 SVG file will be ready immediately. Download it and use it in your project.

PFB vs SVG: Feature Comparison

Technical comparison between source and target formats

Feature	PFB	SVG	Winner
File Type	PostScript Type 1	Vector graphics	SVG
File Size (full set)	145 KB	760 KB (+424%)	PFB
Desktop Use	None (obsolete)	Graphics only	Neither
Curve Quality	Cubic Bézier	Cubic Bézier	Equal
Design/Manufacturing	Not editable	Fully editable	SVG
Modern Relevance	None (obsolete)	High (design/web)	SVG
Best For	Nothing (obsolete)	Design/manufacturing	SVG

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about converting PFB to SVG

1Why convert PFB to SVG?

To extract letter shapes as editable vector graphics from old PostScript fonts. Useful for logo design, laser cutting, or manufacturing. NOT for web fonts – convert PFB to WOFF2 for web. SVG is for extracting shapes for design work.

2Do PostScript curves convert well to SVG?

Yes, perfectly! PFB uses cubic Bézier curves (PostScript); SVG natively supports cubic Bézier. The conversion is direct and lossless. This is one of the cleanest font-to-SVG conversions because curve formats match exactly.

3What can I do with SVG paths from PFB?

Laser cutting, vinyl cutting (Cricut/Silhouette), CNC milling, creating custom logos from letters, icon design, craft projects. SVG gives you editable vector shapes with clean PostScript curves.

4Should I use SVG for web instead of WOFF2?

Not recommended. SVG fonts are deprecated for web text. For web fonts from PFB, convert PFB → TTF → WOFF2/WOFF. Only extract SVG if you need editable letter shapes for design, laser cutting, or manufacturing projects.

5Can I edit letters after converting PFB to SVG?

Yes! Open SVG files in Illustrator, Inkscape, or any vector editor. PostScript curves from PFB produce very clean, editable SVG paths. This is ideal for extracting vintage letterforms for logo design or custom typography.

6Are SVG files from PFB cleaner than from TTF?

Sometimes yes. PFB uses PostScript curves (cubic Bézier) which SVG natively supports. TTF uses TrueType curves (quadratic Bézier) which must be converted. PFB → SVG can produce slightly cleaner, more editable paths.

7Should I use SVG or TTF for old PostScript fonts?

Depends on purpose. For functional fonts (desktop/web): PFB → TTF → WOFF2. For editable shapes (design/manufacturing): PFB → SVG. Most users want TTF/WOFF2 for actual font use, not SVG graphics.

8Does converting PFB to SVG preserve font features?

No. SVG extraction creates static vector SHAPES, not a functional font. You lose all font functionality (PFB had limited features anyway). You get editable graphics. For functional fonts, convert to TTF or WOFF2, not SVG.

File Size Comparison

See how file sizes change after conversion

Original (PFB)	Converted (SVG)	Change	Notes
145 KB (PFB)	760 KB (SVG all glyphs)	+424% larger	PostScript curves verbose in SVG
145 KB (PFB)	14 KB (SVG 5 letters)	-90% smaller	Extracting specific letters only
285 KB (PFB)	1.5 MB (SVG all glyphs)	+426% larger	Full extraction creates huge files
82 KB (PFB)	4 KB (SVG single glyph)	-95% smaller	Single letter extraction

Performance Metrics

Technical performance indicators for this conversion

Extraction Speed:1-5 seconds
PostScript to SVG conversion
File Size (5 letters):12-25 KB
PostScript cubic curves can be verbose
Curve Quality:Excellent
PostScript cubic Bézier maps perfectly to SVG
Use Case:Vintage PostScript fonts
Extract high-quality paths from old Type 1 fonts
Edit Performance:Optimal
Clean cubic curves edit beautifully
Manufacturing Quality:Perfect
Premium vector data from PostScript

Implementation Examples

Production-ready code for your converted fonts

Using Extracted SVG Paths

Vector shapes for design and manufacturing

<!-- SVG path extracted from PFB font -->
  <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 100 100">
    <path d="M..." fill="currentColor"/>
  </svg>
  
  /* Applications:
   * - Laser cutting/engraving
   * - Vinyl cutting (Cricut/Silhouette)
   * - CNC milling
   * - Logo design
   * - Icon design
   * - Animated typography
   * - Manufacturing
   *
   * Import into:
   * - Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity Designer
   * - Laser cutter software (LightBurn, LaserWeb)
   * - Vinyl cutter software (Cricut Design Space)
   * - Any vector design tool
   *
   * NOT for web fonts - use WOFF2 for web
   */

Browser Compatibility

Which browsers support SVG fonts

Browser	Support	Notes
Design Software	N/A	SVG is for design/manufacturing, not web fonts
Illustrator	Full support	Clean cubic curves from PostScript
Inkscape	Full support	Open-source vector editor for SVG
Laser Cutters	Universal	SVG paths for manufacturing from PFB fonts
Web Browsers	Not recommended	SVG fonts deprecated; use WOFF2 for web text

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions to problems you might encounter

PostScript curves export cleanly to SVG

This is actually good! PFB uses cubic Bézier curves; SVG natively supports cubic Bézier. The conversion is direct and lossless. PFB → SVG produces very clean, editable vector paths compared to TrueType-based conversions.

SVG files can be large

SVG stores each glyph as XML. A full PFB character set might become 200-500KB in SVG files. Only extract specific characters you need. For functional fonts, convert PFB to TTF/OTF (desktop) or WOFF2 (web), not SVG.

Why extract SVG from PFB?

Valid uses: (1) Extracting letter shapes from vintage PostScript fonts for logo design, (2) Laser cutting/manufacturing, (3) Creating graphics from font glyphs. For functional fonts, convert to TTF/WOFF2, not SVG.

SVG doesn't work for web fonts

Correct – don't use SVG for web fonts. SVG fonts are deprecated. For web fonts from PFB: Convert PFB → TTF → WOFF2/WOFF. Only extract SVG if you need editable letter shapes for design/manufacturing work.

Character spacing is wrong

SVG paths don't include font metrics. Each letter is a separate graphic. You must manually position letters in your design software. For functional fonts, convert PFB to TTF. For editable shapes, SVG is correct but requires manual positioning.

When NOT to Use SVG

Scenarios where you should keep PFB or choose a different format

Web font use
Why not: SVG fonts deprecated with terrible performance
Use instead: Convert PFB to WOFF2 for web, not SVG
Need functional font
Why not: SVG extracts shapes without font metrics
Use instead: Convert PFB to TTF for desktop fonts, not SVG
Full character set
Why not: Extracting all glyphs creates 760KB+ SVG files
Use instead: Extract only specific letters; convert to TTF for full font

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