What is TTF?

TTF (TrueType Font) is a font format developed by Apple and Microsoft, widely used on both Windows and macOS for high-quality text rendering.

What is AFM?

Adobe Font Metrics (AFM) is a text file describing Type 1 font metrics including character widths, kerning pairs, and bounding boxes.

When Should You Use TTF vs AFM?

TTF vs AFM: Key Differences

• •TTF and AFM diverge on compression: lossless compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
• •Both formats share lossless compression, so quality behavior is similar across the two — file size differences come from algorithm efficiency rather than compression philosophy.
• •Transparency: N/A
• •Storage footprint: 20KB to 200KB per font for TTF vs Very small, text-based metrics for AFM.
• •TTF is optimized for desktop publishing, web fonts, documents while AFM is designed for postscript font metrics, pdf font embedding — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of TTF

• ✓TTF compresses data using lossless methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Desktop publishing, web fonts, documents.
• ✓Industry-wide support means TTF files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
• ✓Lossless quality makes TTF the gold standard for archival and master copies.
• ✓From VS Code to open-source alternatives, TTF works out of the box.

Advantages of AFM

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

Common Use Cases for TTF to AFM Conversion

• Game UI typography
• Website typography
• Brand identity
• Print design
• Mobile apps
• Desktop publishing

Industry Applications

Best Practices for TTF to AFM Conversion

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

• !The converted AFM font has incorrect metrics → advance width and kerning values may differ between formats despite identical glyphs
• !AFM file looks heavier or lighter than TTF → font rendering engines handle weight and anti-aliasing differently per format
• !OpenType features (ligatures, swashes) lost after conversion to AFM → verify the target format supports advanced typographic features
• !Variable font axes missing from the converted AFM → variable font support varies significantly between formats

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