Reference

PFM (font metrics)

PFM (Printer Font Metrics) is the companion file to a PostScript Type 1 font on Windows. It stores spacing, kerning, and character-width data, while the matching PFB file holds the actual glyph outlines.

Files & formatsGeneral

PFM (font metrics)

Also known as: .pfm file, Printer Font Metrics, Type 1 metrics

Windows metrics file for a Type 1 font
Pairs with the PFB outline file
Folded into a single file when converted to OTF

What PFM contains

PFM is not an image of the font; it is the metrics: how wide each character is, how letters space and kern, and other layout data Windows needs to set text correctly.

It pairs with the PFB outline file. The cross-platform equivalent of these metrics is the text-based AFM (Adobe Font Metrics).

PFM today

Because Type 1 fonts are deprecated, you rarely handle PFM directly anymore. Converting the font to OTF folds the metrics and outlines into a single modern file.

Related terms

Keep reading the reference.

Files & formatsPFB (PostScript font)PFB (Printer Font Binary) is the binary container for a PostScript Type 1 font’s outline data. It holds the actual glyph shapes and usually travels with a separate metrics file before being installed.General Files & formatsPostScript Type 1 fontPostScript Type 1 is an early scalable font format from Adobe that defined professional digital type for desktop publishing. It uses outline glyphs but has been deprecated in modern software in favor of OpenType.General Files & formatsOTF (OpenType font)OTF (OpenType) is a modern, cross-platform font format from Adobe and Microsoft. It stores scalable outlines like TrueType but adds advanced typography — ligatures, alternates, and small caps — making it the common choice for professional type.General