.AFM File Extension
Adobe Font Metrics File
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Font Files |
| Format | .AFM |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an AFM file?
The .AFM file extension is associated with Adobe Font Metrics files. These files contain metrics data for Type 1 fonts used by Adobe Systems. They provide crucial information about font characteristics like character widths, kerning pairs, and other metrics necessary for accurate text rendering.
More Information.
Initially, .AFM files were created to accompany Type 1 font files. They served as a means to provide essential metrics data for accurately displaying and printing text using these fonts. Type 1 fonts were widely used in the early days of digital typography due to their high-quality rendering and extensive character support.
Origin Of This File.
Adobe introduced the .AFM format as part of their Type 1 font specifications, which were widely used in desktop publishing and graphic design since the 1980s.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.AFMs contain plain text data structured in a specific format defined by Adobe. This format includes information such as character widths, kerning pairs, ligatures, and other metrics necessary for text layout and rendering.
How to Convert the File?
Windows:
- Using Adobe Software: Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign can directly import .AFM files. You can then save or export the font metrics data in various formats such as PDF or SVG, which can be used in other applications.
- Third-Party Conversion Tools: Some third-party font management or conversion tools may support converting .AFM files to other formats. These tools often provide batch conversion capabilities for handling multiple files at once.
Linux:
- Scripting: You can use scripting languages like Python or Perl to parse the content of .AFM files and convert them into other formats. Writing custom scripts allows for flexibility in handling specific conversion requirements.
- Fontforge: Fontforge is an open-source font editor available on Linux. It supports importing .AFM files and exporting them to various font formats like TrueType (.ttf) or OpenType (.otf).
macOS:
- Adobe Software: Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign on macOS can import .AFM files. After importing, you can save or export the font metrics data in different formats like PDF or SVG.
- FontForge: Fontforge is also available for macOS and can be used to convert .AFM files to other font formats like TrueType (.ttf) or OpenType (.otf).
Android:
.AFMs are not typically converted directly on Android devices. However, if needed, you can transfer the .AFM files to a computer and use one of the aforementioned methods for conversion.
iOS:
Similar to Android, .AFM files are not typically converted directly on iOS devices. You would need to transfer the files to a computer and utilize software like Adobe Illustrator or FontForge for conversion.
Others:
For other platforms, the conversion methods would depend on the availability of software supporting .AFM files. Third-party conversion tools, scripting, or font editors may still be viable options, depending on the platform’s capabilities and software ecosystem.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Provides precise metrics data for accurate text rendering.
- Compatible with a wide range of graphic design and desktop publishing software.
- Essential for maintaining consistent typography across different platforms and devices.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to Type 1 font format, which is less commonly used in modern digital typography.
- Requires separate .AFM files for each Type 1 font, potentially increasing file management overhead.
How to Open AFM?
Open In Windows
.AFMs can be opened on Windows using various text editors like Notepad, Notepad++, or Adobe’s own software like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign.
Open In Linux
Linux users can utilize text editors like Vim, Gedit, or specialized font management tools to open .AFM files.
Open In MAC
On macOS, .AFM files can be opened using TextEdit, BBEdit, or Adobe applications such as Illustrator or InDesign.
Open In Android
.AFMs are not typically opened directly on Android or iOS devices. However, font-related apps may utilize .AFM data indirectly for font management and rendering.
Open In IOS
.AFMs are not typically opened directly on Android or iOS devices. However, font-related apps may utilize .AFM data indirectly for font management and rendering.
Open in Others
Other platforms may require similar text editing or font management software to open .AFM files, as described for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Additionally, some specialized graphic design or typography software may provide compatibility with .AFM files.
