Complete Guide to Type 1 Font Migration

Step-by-step migration from deprecated Type 1 fonts to modern OpenType formats with conversion tools and workflow updates

TL;DR

In Simple Terms

Type 1 fonts are deprecated and no longer work in Adobe CC 2023+, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Migration to OpenType (OTF/TTF) is required for continued use.Convert Type 1 to OTF using FontForge (free), TransType (professional), or Font-Converters.com (online). Always keep backups and test converted fonts in your design applications.Benefits of migration: cross-platform compatibility, advanced OpenType features (ligatures, alternates), single-file format (no separate screen/printer fonts), and modern software support.

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Type 1 fonts, Adobe's PostScript font format developed in the 1980s, served as the professional typography standard for decades. However, this legacy format has been officially deprecated by Adobe and is no longer supported in modern software versions, including Photoshop 2023+, Illustrator 2023+, and InDesign 2023+. Organizations and designers still using Type 1 fonts must migrate to modern OpenType formats to maintain compatibility with current and future software versions.

The migration from Type 1 to OpenType is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic necessity. Type 1 fonts lack support for advanced OpenType features like ligatures, contextual alternates, and multiple language character sets. They also suffer from platform-specific limitations, file management complexities (requiring separate screen and printer font files), and increasing incompatibility with modern operating systems and applications. The transition to OpenType provides superior functionality, cross-platform compatibility, and future-proofs your typography workflow.

This comprehensive guide provides a complete roadmap for Type 1 font migration, covering deprecation timelines, assessment strategies, conversion methods, workflow updates, compatibility testing, troubleshooting, and best practices. Whether you're a graphic designer with a legacy font library, a creative agency managing client projects, or an IT administrator supporting design teams, this guide provides the knowledge and tools needed for a successful migration to modern font formats.

Why Migrate from Type 1 Fonts?

Official Deprecation Timeline

Date	Event
January 2023	Adobe announces Type 1 font support end
February 2023	Photoshop 2023 removes Type 1 support
March 2023	Illustrator 2023 removes Type 1 support
April 2023	InDesign 2023 removes Type 1 support
Ongoing	macOS and Windows reducing Type 1 compatibility

Critical: Files using Type 1 fonts will display warnings or fail to open in current Adobe applications.

Technical Limitations of Type 1

Format Constraints:

• Maximum 256 glyphs per font
• Separate files for screen and printer fonts
• Platform-specific (Mac .lwfn vs Windows .pfb/.pfm)
• No Unicode support
• Limited international character coverage

Missing Features:

• No ligatures or contextual alternates
• No stylistic sets
• No small caps variants
• No oldstyle figure options
• No multi-language support in single file

Benefits of Migration to OpenType

Cross-platform compatibility: Single file works on Mac and Windows
Advanced typography: Access to ligatures, alternates, stylistic sets
Extended character sets: 65,000+ glyphs possible, full Unicode support
Future-proof: Industry standard, actively developed and supported
Simpler management: One file instead of multiple components
Better performance: Optimized for modern operating systems
Variable font support: Multiple weights/styles in single file (optional)

Business Impact

Project continuity: Files become inaccessible in new software versions
Client deliverables: Cannot open or edit archived projects
Workflow disruption: Incompatibility errors halt production
Team collaboration: Font mismatches between team members
Legal/compliance: Cannot reproduce exact documents for legal purposes
Cost of delay: Emergency conversions more expensive than planned migration

Assessment and Planning

Inventory Your Type 1 Fonts

macOS Font Locations:

• /Library/Fonts/ - System-wide fonts
• ~/Library/Fonts/ - User fonts
• /System/Library/Fonts/ - macOS system fonts (read-only)
• Look for .lwfn, .ffil, or .suit files

Windows Font Locations:

• C:\Windows\Fonts\ - System fonts
• C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Fonts\ - User fonts
• Look for .pfb and .pfm file pairs

Identification Command (macOS/Linux):

# Find all Type 1 fonts
find ~/Library/Fonts /Library/Fonts -name "*.lwfn" -o -name "*.pfb"

# Count Type 1 fonts
find ~/Library/Fonts /Library/Fonts -name "*.lwfn" -o -name "*.pfb" | wc -l

Document Font Usage

Adobe Application Font Reports:

InDesign: Type → Find Font → List shows all document fonts
- Warning icons indicate Type 1 fonts
- Export list for documentation
Illustrator: Type → Find Font → Shows document fonts
Photoshop: Layer → Type → shows active fonts

Create Migration Spreadsheet:

• Font name and foundry
• Type 1 file location
• Projects/documents using this font
• OpenType replacement (if available)
• License status and owner
• Migration priority (critical/medium/low)

Prioritize Migration

Priority 1 - Critical: Fonts used in active projects, brand fonts
Priority 2 - High: Frequently used fonts, client work
Priority 3 - Medium: Occasionally used, archival projects
Priority 4 - Low: Rarely used, experimental fonts
Defer: Obsolete fonts, duplicates, unused for 2+ years

License Verification

Critical: Verify licensing before converting or purchasing replacements

• Check original purchase records or licenses
• Some foundries provide free OpenType upgrades for Type 1 owners
• Adobe Fonts subscription includes OpenType versions of Adobe Type 1 fonts
• Contact foundry for upgrade pricing if not free
• Budget for purchasing new licenses if needed

Conversion Methods

Method 1: Purchase OpenType Replacements (Recommended)

Why This Is Best:

• Professional quality guaranteed
• Includes advanced OpenType features
• Foundry support and updates
• Proper licensing
• Often includes extended character sets

Where to Get OpenType Versions:

Adobe Fonts: Included with Creative Cloud
- Most Adobe Type 1 fonts available as OpenType
- Automatically activated when needed
- No additional cost for CC subscribers
Original Foundry: Check where you bought Type 1 version
- May offer free or discounted upgrades
- Linotype, Monotype, FontShop, MyFonts
Upgrade Programs: Some foundries offer Type 1 to OpenType trade-in

Method 2: Convert Using Font Editors

Using FontLab:

Open Type 1 font in FontLab 8 or FontLab Studio 5
File → Generate Font
Select OpenType PS (.otf) format
Configure options (hinting, autohinting)
Generate and test

Cost: FontLab 8 ~$459 (one-time) or subscription

Using TransType (FontLab):

Drag Type 1 fonts into TransType
Select output format (OpenType PS)
Batch convert multiple fonts
Preview and validate results

Cost: TransType 4 ~$109 (batch conversion tool)

Using FontForge (Free):

Download and install FontForge (fontforge.org)
Open Type 1 font: File → Open
Element → Font Info → review metadata
File → Generate Fonts
Select OpenType (CFF) format
Click Generate

Note: Free but steeper learning curve, may require manual adjustments

Method 3: Use Adobe Font Conversion Service

Adobe may provide conversion assistance for Creative Cloud customers:

• Contact Adobe support for enterprise customers
• May offer batch conversion services
• Typically for high-volume professional use
• Check current Adobe support offerings

Important Conversion Considerations

Hinting preservation: May need manual adjustment for optimal rendering
Metadata: Verify font name, copyright, version info transfers correctly
Kerning: Check that kerning pairs convert accurately
Character set: All glyphs should transfer, verify completeness
File naming: Use consistent naming convention for organization
Licensing: Converted fonts inherit original license restrictions
Quality control: Always test converted fonts before deploying

Workflow Updates

Font Installation

macOS Installation:

Close all Adobe applications
Double-click OpenType font file (.otf)
Click "Install Font" in Font Book preview
Or: Copy .otf files to ~/Library/Fonts/ manually
Verify installation in Font Book
Restart Adobe applications

Windows Installation:

Close all Adobe applications
Right-click OpenType font file
Select "Install" or "Install for all users"
Or: Copy to C:\Windows\Fonts\ manually
Verify in Windows Font Settings
Restart Adobe applications

Updating Existing Documents

InDesign Font Replacement:

Open document (may show missing font warnings)
Type → Find Font
Select Type 1 font in list
Choose OpenType replacement from dropdown
Click "Change All"
Repeat for each Type 1 font
Review document for any reflow or spacing changes
Save document

Illustrator Font Replacement:

Open document
Type → Find Font
Select Type 1 font
Choose OpenType replacement
Click "Change" or "Change All"
Check text for any appearance changes

Photoshop Layer Update:

• Open PSD file
• Missing font dialog appears
• Select each Type 1 font and choose OpenType replacement
• Or: Select text layers individually and change font manually
• Verify text appearance unchanged

Font Management Systems

Suitcase Fusion / Universal Type Server:

• Remove Type 1 fonts from font sets
• Add OpenType replacements
• Update auto-activation rules
• Re-sync font vaults

Adobe Fonts:

• Activate OpenType versions through Creative Cloud
• Automatically sync across devices
• Deactivate Type 1 versions if installed

Team Coordination

Communication: Notify all team members of migration timeline
Training: Provide guidance on OpenType features if needed
Font distribution: Ensure all team members have OpenType versions
Version control: Update shared project templates and libraries
Documentation: Maintain font replacement mapping document
Support: Designate font migration point person for questions

Testing and Validation

Visual Comparison Testing

Side-by-Side Comparison:

Create test document with representative text samples
- Different sizes: 8pt, 10pt, 12pt, 18pt, 24pt, 48pt
- All character sets: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, punctuation
- Common words and phrases from actual projects
Print both versions (Type 1 and OpenType replacement)
Compare carefully:
- Letter spacing and kerning
- Character shapes and proportions
- Line length and text reflow
- Overall color and texture of text

Technical Validation

Font Validation Tools:

macOS Font Book: File → Validate Font
- Checks for structural problems
- Verifies tables and encoding
FontValidator (Microsoft): Free open-source validator
- Comprehensive technical checks
- Generates detailed reports
DTL OTMaster: Professional font inspection tool

Key Checks:

• All glyphs present and correctly encoded
• Kerning pairs transferred accurately
• Font metrics match (ascender, descender, line height)
• Hinting preserved or correctly regenerated
• No corruption or errors in font tables

Document Testing Protocol

Test representative samples: Don't test every file, select diverse examples
Check critical projects first: Client work, brand materials, templates
Verify across applications: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat
Test output: Print test pages on actual production printers
Export to PDF: Verify fonts embed correctly
Check interactivity: If documents have forms or links, test functionality
Archive original: Keep Type 1 version until confident in replacement

Acceptance Criteria

☐ OpenType font displays correctly at all sizes
☐ No visible differences from Type 1 version
☐ Kerning and spacing identical or improved
☐ All characters present and accessible
☐ Document reflow acceptable (within tolerance)
☐ PDF export works correctly with embedded fonts
☐ Print output matches expectations
☐ No application errors or warnings
☐ Team members can access and use font

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Font Substitution Problems

Issue: OpenType replacement not appearing in font menu

Solutions:

• Clear font cache:
- macOS: sudo atsutil databases -remove
- Windows: Delete font cache files from temp folders
• Restart application and computer
• Verify font is actually installed (check Font Book/Windows Fonts)
• Check font hasn't been disabled in font manager

Issue: Spacing or kerning differences

Solutions:

• Check if optical kerning vs. metrics kerning setting changed
• Verify tracking hasn't been applied
• Compare font metrics in font editor
• May need manual tracking adjustment (±5-10 units typically acceptable)

Character Display Issues

Issue: Missing glyphs or characters
- Solution: Verify OpenType version includes all characters from Type 1
- Use character viewer to check glyph coverage
- May need to purchase extended character set version
Issue: Different character shapes
- Solution: Foundry may have updated designs in OpenType version
- Check if alternate glyphs available through OpenType features
- Contact foundry to verify versions match

PDF Export Issues

Issue: Fonts not embedding in PDF
- Check font embedding permissions in font info
- Verify PDF export settings include font embedding
- Use PDF/X standards for reliable embedding
Issue: Font subsetting problems
- Disable subset fonts option if causing issues
- Embed complete fonts instead

License and Activation Issues

Issue: Font requires activation but won't activate
- Verify license key is correct and not expired
- Check if you've exceeded seat limit
- Deactivate on old machine if migrating
- Contact vendor support
Issue: Adobe Fonts not syncing
- Sign out and back into Creative Cloud
- Clear Creative Cloud cache
- Check internet connection
- Manually sync fonts from Creative Cloud app

Best Practices and Maintenance

Archiving Type 1 Fonts

Don't delete Type 1 fonts immediately after migration:

Create archive directory: "Type1_Archive_2025"
- Move Type 1 fonts here instead of deleting
- Include documentation of migration
- Note OpenType replacements used
Retention period: Keep for 6-12 months minimum
- Allows reverting if critical issues discovered
- Supports legacy document requirements
Backup: Store archive on external drive or cloud storage

Documentation

Maintain Migration Records:

Font mapping spreadsheet: Type 1 name → OpenType replacement
Purchase receipts: For new OpenType licenses
Conversion logs: Which fonts converted vs. purchased
Known issues: Document any spacing or appearance differences
Contact information: Font vendors for each font family
Team guidelines: Instructions for accessing OpenType fonts

Ongoing Font Management

Regular audits: Quarterly review of installed fonts
License compliance: Verify seat counts and usage
Update checks: Check for updated OpenType versions from foundries
Standardization: Establish approved font list for organization
Training: Educate new team members on font policies
Backup strategy: Include fonts in regular backup procedures

Migration Checklist

☐ Inventoried all Type 1 fonts in use
☐ Documented fonts in active projects
☐ Verified license status for all fonts
☐ Sourced OpenType replacements
☐ Tested conversions for quality
☐ Updated font management system
☐ Installed OpenType versions
☐ Updated active documents
☐ Tested critical projects
☐ Communicated changes to team
☐ Archived Type 1 fonts safely
☐ Documented migration process
☐ Updated templates and style guides
☐ Verified PDF export functionality
☐ Created ongoing maintenance plan

Summary: Successful Type 1 Migration

Migrating from deprecated Type 1 fonts to modern OpenType formats is essential for maintaining compatibility with current Adobe applications and operating systems. The process requires careful assessment of your Type 1 font inventory, prioritization based on project criticality, and systematic conversion or replacement with OpenType versions. Purchasing professional OpenType versions from original foundries provides the best quality and full OpenType feature support, while font conversion tools like FontLab or FontForge offer alternatives for custom or unavailable fonts.

Successful migration involves thorough testing and validation, systematic document updates, team coordination, and proper archiving of Type 1 originals. The transition not only ensures software compatibility but also provides access to advanced OpenType features, cross-platform font files, extended character sets, and simplified font management. With proper planning and execution following this guide, organizations can complete Type 1 migration efficiently while maintaining design consistency and project continuity.

Written & Verified by

Sarah Mitchell

Product Designer, Font Specialist