What is CFF?

Compact Font Format (CFF) is a PostScript-based font format used in PDF documents and professional printing for efficient font storage.

What is PFB?

PostScript Type 1 Binary (PFB) is a compact binary printer font format, more efficient than ASCII PFA for professional printing.

When Should You Use CFF vs PFB?

Use CFF When...

Reach for CFF when your priority is professional printing, pdf fonts — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

Use PFB When...

Reach for PFB when your priority is professional printing, legacy typesetting — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

CFF vs PFB: Key Differences

•CFF and PFB diverge on compression: lossless compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
•Since both CFF and PFB use lossless compression, the quality characteristics are comparable — differences in file size come down to how efficiently each format implements compression.
•Alpha channel support: PFB lacks transparency support.
•CFF files are typically 15-100KB per font while PFB files range 15-80KB per font, smaller than PFA
•CFF is optimized for professional printing, pdf fonts while PFB is designed for professional printing, legacy typesetting — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of CFF

✓CFF compresses data using lossless methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Professional printing, PDF fonts.
✓Industry-wide support means CFF files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
✓Lossless quality makes CFF the gold standard for archival and master copies.
✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, CFF works out of the box.

Advantages of PFB

✓PFB applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Professional printing, legacy typesetting.
✓PFB enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
✓PFB guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
✓You will find PFB support built into virtually every tool that handles Professional printing, legacy typesetting — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for CFF to PFB Conversion

Video subtitles
Game UI typography
Website typography
Brand identity
Print design
Mobile apps

Industry Applications

Book PublishingMobile App DevelopmentWeb DesignTypographyGraphic DesignDesktop Publishing

Best Practices for CFF to PFB Conversion

→Before converting CFF to PFB, review the font license — some licenses restrict format conversion
→Check hinting data after conversion: PFB may handle TrueType hinting differently than CFF
→Verify that all character sets (Latin, Cyrillic, CJK, etc.) survived the conversion intact
→Test the converted font in both a browser and a desktop application
→Keep the original font file in case the conversion alters spacing metrics

Troubleshooting CFF to PFB Conversion

!PFB font doesn't render correctly → check if PFB supports all glyphs present in CFF
!Licensing restrictions after CFF to PFB conversion → verify the font license allows format conversion
!Hinting data lost converting CFF to PFB → some font formats like PFB may not preserve TrueType hinting
!Special characters missing from converted PFB → font subsetting may have removed unused glyphs

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Convert CFF to PFB Online - Free & Fast

Convert CFF files to PFB online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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.cff,.CFF (max 100MB)

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About CFF and PFB

CFF

CFF (CFF fonts) - Compact Font Format, PostScript-based font outlines. Best for professional printing, pdf fonts.

PFB

PFB (PFB fonts) - PostScript Type 1 Binary, compact printer font format. Ideal for professional printing, legacy typesetting.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossless → Lossless

TransparencySupported

Use CaseConvert from professional printing, pdf fonts to professional printing, legacy typesetting

File Size~15-80KB per font, smaller than PFA after conversion

FAQs

Is converting CFF to PFB free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of CFF to PFB for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert CFF to PFB?

Most CFF to PFB conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is PFB best used for?

PFB is ideal for professional printing, legacy typesetting. PostScript Type 1 Binary, compact printer font format

What file size should I expect after converting CFF to PFB?

File size after CFF to PFB conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

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