Free online PFA to TTF converter
Convert PFA Type 1 fonts to TTF with FontForge and check compatibility.
Convert PFA to TTF online - free
Your file is processed instantly and never stored on our servers.
How to convert pfa to ttf file
- Fonts
- No ratings yet.
Source format: PFA
PFA stands for Printer Font ASCII. It is an Adobe Type 1 font format that stores the font program in plain text. In many cases, a PFA font is used together with a matching metrics file such as .pfm or .afm. PFA fonts were common in desktop publishing, PostScript printing, and older publishing workflows on Windows, macOS, and Unix systems. Today, they are mostly found in legacy font collections and archival print projects.
Target format: TTF
TTF stands for TrueType Font. It is one of the most widely supported font formats for modern operating systems, applications, and web-related workflows. TTF fonts are broadly compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, office suites, design tools, and many embedded systems. Compared with PFA, TTF is generally easier to install and use in contemporary software.
How to convert PFA to TTF
The most reliable way to convert PFA to TTF is to use a desktop font editor that can open Type 1 fonts and generate TrueType fonts. A common choice is FontForge, which supports Type 1 input and TTF output.
- Install FontForge on your computer.
- Open the
.pfafile in FontForge. - If the font opens with a matching metrics file, check that the outlines and encoding look correct.
- Choose File → Generate Fonts.
- Select TrueType as the output format.
- Save the result as a
.ttffile.
FontForge can also be used from the command line for batch conversion or automation. In that case, a script can open the PFA font and generate a TTF file, which is useful when converting multiple fonts at once.
You can also convert the file on 101convert.com for free, without installing any software.
Quality and compatibility notes
PFA to TTF conversion is not always perfect. Type 1 and TrueType use different outline technologies, so the converted font may need manual review. Important points to check include:
- Glyph shapes: some curves may change slightly during conversion.
- Hinting: Type 1 hinting does not translate directly to TrueType, so small-size rendering may differ.
- Metrics: spacing, kerning, and line breaks may shift if the source font data is incomplete.
- Font licensing: many commercial fonts restrict conversion or redistribution, so verify your rights before converting.
If the PFA file is part of a font pair, keep the associated .pfm or .afm file available during conversion for better results. After generating the TTF, test it in a font viewer or design application to confirm that all characters display correctly.
PFA vs TTF: format comparison
How the PFA and TTF formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .PFA PostScript Type 1 font (ASCII .pfa) | .TTF TrueType Font |
|---|---|---|
| Outline type | PostScript outlines | TrueType outlines |
| Hinting | — | Yes |
| Ready for web fonts | No | Yes |
| Variable font | No | No |
| Embedding in documents | Yes | Yes |
| Operating system support | Niche | Wide |
| Typical file size | Small | Small |
| Open standard | Partly open | Yes |
| Introduced | 1984 | 1991 |
| Developer | Adobe Systems | Apple Inc. (originally developed for Macintosh; later widely adopted by Microsoft and others) |
| MIME type | application/x-font-type1 | font/ttf |
Suggested software and links: pfa to ttf converters
Frequently asked questions
Is the PFA to TTF converter free?
Yes, converting PFA to TTF on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required.
How large can my PFA file be?
You can upload PFA files up to 150 MB and convert up to 100 files at once in a single batch.
What happens to my uploaded files?
Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.
Do I need to install any software to convert PFA to TTF?
No. The PFA to TTF conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.
Did the conversion fail?
In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid PFA file for this PFA to TTF conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.