Tips to open PFB file

Can't open the PFB file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PFB files as well as a list of programs that support PFB files.

PFB file extension

File Name Printer Font Binary Format
File Developer Adobe Systems
File Category Font Files

The PFB file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PFB files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PFB file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PFB file?

The file in the PFB format belongs to the Font Files category. It was designed by Adobe Systems. Additionally, the Font Files category contains 109 of other files. Printer Font Binary Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use FontForge to handle this file. This is a program created by George Williams. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. You can use CorelDRAW, AutoCAD in case FontForge cannot be used.

How to open PFB file?

The main problem with Printer Font Binary Format is that the PFB file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open PFB, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PFB file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install FontForge

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that FontForge is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing FontForge into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open PFB files.

Programs to open PFB file

Remember to download programs supporting PFB files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of FontForge with PFB files

If, despite the installed application, the PFB file does not start in the FontForge application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the PFB file with the FontForge program.

Step 3. Update FontForge to the latest version

If, however, after binding FontForge with Printer Font Binary Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the George Williams website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PFB file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to PFB files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the PFB file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected PFB files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the PFB files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged PFB files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Adobe Systems, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted PFB files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the PFB file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the PFB file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.