What is PFB?

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

What is CFF2?

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

When Should You Use PFB vs CFF2?

Use PFB When...

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

Use CFF2 When...

Reach for CFF2 when your priority is variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

PFB vs CFF2: Key Differences

•The core technical difference: PFB relies on lossless compression whereas CFF2 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.
•Transparency: N/A
•PFB files are typically 15-80KB per font, smaller than PFA while CFF2 files range 15-100KB per font
•PFB is optimized for professional printing, legacy typesetting while CFF2 is designed for variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting — choose based on your specific workflow needs

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.

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.

Common Use Cases for PFB to CFF2 Conversion

Website typography
Brand identity
Print design
Mobile apps
Desktop publishing
E-book formatting

Industry Applications

Web DesignTypographyGraphic DesignDesktop PublishingApp DevelopmentBrand Design

Best Practices for PFB to CFF2 Conversion

→Converting PFB to CFF2: check that glyph coverage is preserved — some formats have character limitations
→Use CFF2 for cross-platform compatibility
→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 PFB to CFF2 Conversion

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

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Convert to CFF2 →Convert from PFB →

Convert PFB to CFF2 Online - Free & Fast

Convert PFB files to CFF2 online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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About PFB and CFF2

PFB

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

CFF2

CFF2 (CFF2) - Compact Font Format v2, PostScript-based outlines for OpenType variable fonts. Ideal for variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossless → Lossless

TransparencySupported

Use CaseConvert from professional printing, legacy typesetting to variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting

File Size~15-100KB per font after conversion

FAQs

Is converting PFB to CFF2 free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of PFB to CFF2 for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert PFB to CFF2?

Most PFB to CFF2 conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is CFF2 best used for?

CFF2 is ideal for variable fonts, opentype font production, advanced typesetting. Compact Font Format v2, PostScript-based outlines for OpenType variable fonts

What file size should I expect after converting PFB to CFF2?

File size after PFB to CFF2 conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

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