What is CFF2?

CFF2 (Compact Font Format v2) is optimized for OpenType variable fonts with efficient data structures and support for font variations.

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 CFF2 vs PFB?

CFF2 vs PFB: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: CFF2 relies on lossless compression whereas PFB uses lossless compression.
• •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossless compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
• •Alpha channel support: PFB lacks transparency support.
• •CFF2 files are typically 15-100KB per font while PFB files range 15-80KB per font, smaller than PFA
• •Primary audience: CFF2 is built for variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting scenarios, while PFB focuses on professional printing, legacy typesetting — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of CFF2

• ✓At its core, CFF2 relies on lossless encoding — a design choice that makes it perfect for Variable fonts, OpenType font production, advanced typesetting.
• ✓You won't run into compatibility issues with CFF2 — it's a universal standard across platforms.
• ✓File size management with CFF2: larger files guaranteed to match the original exactly.
• ✓Every major application in the Variable fonts, OpenType font production, advanced typesetting space supports CFF2 natively.

Advantages of PFB

• ✓At its core, PFB relies on lossless encoding — a design choice that makes it perfect for Professional printing, legacy typesetting.
• ✓You won't run into compatibility issues with PFB — it's a universal standard across platforms.
• ✓File size management with PFB: larger files guaranteed to match the original exactly.
• ✓Every major application in the Professional printing, legacy typesetting space supports PFB natively.

Common Use Cases for CFF2 to PFB Conversion

• Print design
• Mobile apps
• Desktop publishing
• E-book formatting
• User interfaces
• Marketing materials

Industry Applications

Best Practices for CFF2 to PFB Conversion

• →Converting CFF2 to PFB: check that glyph coverage is preserved — some formats have character limitations
• →Use PFB for websites where file size matters
• →Test fonts across different browsers and operating systems after conversion
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Troubleshooting CFF2 to PFB Conversion

• !PFB font doesn't render correctly → check if PFB supports all glyphs present in CFF2
• !Licensing restrictions after CFF2 to PFB conversion → verify the font license allows format conversion
• !Hinting data lost converting CFF2 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

Related Font Converters

All Font Formats

More Font tools