What is WOFF2?

WOFF2 (Web Open Font Format 2) is the next-generation webfont format with significantly better compression than WOFF, reducing font download sizes by 30-50%.

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 WOFF2 vs PFM?

WOFF2 vs PFM: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: WOFF2 relies on lossy compression whereas PFM uses lossless compression.
• •The switch from lossy compression to lossless compression means you preserve full quality at the expense of larger file sizes.
• •Transparency: N/A
• •WOFF2 files are typically 50% smaller than WOFF, 70% smaller than TTF while PFM files range Very small, binary format
• •Primary audience: WOFF2 is built for modern web fonts, optimized performance scenarios, while PFM focuses on windows postscript printing, font pairing — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of WOFF2

• ✓WOFF2 applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Modern web fonts, optimized performance.
• ✓WOFF2 enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓WOFF2 delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
• ✓You will find WOFF2 support built into virtually every tool that handles Modern web fonts, optimized performance — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of PFM

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

Common Use Cases for WOFF2 to PFM Conversion

• Data visualization
• Presentation design
• Video subtitles
• Game UI typography
• Website typography
• Brand identity

Industry Applications

Best Practices for WOFF2 to PFM Conversion

• →Converting WOFF2 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 WOFF2 to PFM Conversion

• !PFM font doesn't render correctly → check if PFM supports all glyphs present in WOFF2
• !Licensing restrictions after WOFF2 to PFM conversion → verify the font license allows format conversion
• !Hinting data lost converting WOFF2 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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