Tips to open TFM file

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

TFM file extension

File Name TeX Font Metric Format
File Category Font Files

The TFM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the TFM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the TFM file on each system platform.

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

What is TFM file?

The file in the TFM format belongs to the Font Files category. In addition to this file, the Font Files category includes 109 related files. TeX Font Metric Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. The TeXworks application is recommended to open the file. It was released by TeX Users Group. Alternatively, you can use 2 other programs. The MiKTeX, LaTeX programs will also handle the file when the TeXworks program does not fulfill its role.

How to open TFM file?

The most common problem when using TeX Font Metric Format is that a specific TFM is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that TFM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the TFM 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 TeXworks

In this case, you should first verify that the TeXworks application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing TeXworks into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file TFM with TeXworks. Below you will find a list of applications that support TFM files.

Programs to open TFM file

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

Step 2. Create association of TeXworks with TFM files

If, despite the installed application, the TFM file does not start in the TeXworks application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the TFM file with the TeXworks application.

Step 3. Update TeXworks to the latest version

If, despite the association of the TeXworks program with the TeX Font Metric Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the TeX Users Group website and install the latest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the TFM file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file TFM or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover TFM files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the TFM files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged TFM files. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file TFM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move TFM to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. 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.