fonttosfnt

bitmap font to SFNT converter

TLDR

Convert BDF to sfnt

$ fonttosfnt -o [output.ttf] [input.bdf]

Convert PCF font

$ fonttosfnt -o [output.otb] [input.pcf]

Verbose output

$ fonttosfnt -v -o [output.ttf] [input.bdf]

Process multiple fonts

$ fonttosfnt -o [output.ttf] [font1.bdf] [font2.bdf]

SYNOPSIS

fonttosfnt [options] input-files...

fonttosfnt converts bitmap fonts (BDF, PCF) to SFNT format (TrueType/OpenType with bitmap data). It preserves bitmap glyphs while providing modern font file format.The tool embeds bitmap strikes in SFNT wrappers, enabling use of legacy bitmap fonts in systems expecting modern font formats. Multiple input fonts can be merged.fonttosfnt bridges classic X11 bitmap fonts with contemporary font infrastructure.

PARAMETERS

INPUT-FILES

BDF or PCF font files.

-o FILE

Output file name.

-v

Verbose output.

-g N

Gamma correction value.

-m

Merge glyphs into single font.

--help

Display help information.

INSTALL

sudo apt install xfonts-utils

sudo dnf install fonttosfnt

sudo zypper install fonttosfnt

nix profile install nixpkgs#fonttosfnt

CAVEATS

Output remains bitmap, not vector. Limited font metadata support. Best for specific sizes.

HISTORY

fonttosfnt is part of the X.Org font utilities, providing conversion between traditional X11 bitmap formats and modern SFNT containers for compatibility with newer systems.