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 PFM?

Printer Font Metrics (PFM) is the binary companion to PFB fonts for Windows, containing font metric data for printing.

When Should You Use CFF2 vs PFM?

CFF2 vs PFM: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: CFF2 relies on lossless compression whereas PFM 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: PFM lacks transparency support.
• •CFF2 files are typically 15-100KB per font while PFM files range Very small, binary format
• •Primary audience: CFF2 is built for variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting scenarios, while PFM focuses on windows postscript printing, font pairing — 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 PFM

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

Common Use Cases for CFF2 to PFM Conversion

• Marketing materials
• Packaging design
• Signage systems
• Icon sets
• Logo design
• Data visualization

Industry Applications

Best Practices for CFF2 to PFM Conversion

• →Converting CFF2 to PFM: check that glyph coverage is preserved — some formats have character limitations
• →Use PFM 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 PFM Conversion

• !PFM font doesn't render correctly → check if PFM supports all glyphs present in CFF2
• !Licensing restrictions after CFF2 to PFM conversion → verify the font license allows format conversion
• !Hinting data lost converting CFF2 to PFM → some font formats like PFM may not preserve TrueType hinting
• !Special characters missing from converted PFM → font subsetting may have removed unused glyphs

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