LinuxCommandLibrary

fonttosfnt

Convert fonts to a different SFNT format

SYNOPSIS

fonttosfnt [options]

PARAMETERS

-v
    Verbose mode; displays more information during the conversion process.

-f
    Specifies the input font format. Common formats include 'ttf' (TrueType), 'otf' (OpenType), and 'cid'.
If omitted, fonttosfnt attempts to autodetect the format.

-p
    Specifies the platform ID for the font. This is a numerical identifier.
Refer to the OpenType specification for valid platform IDs.

-e
    Specifies the encoding ID for the font. This is a numerical identifier.
Refer to the OpenType specification for valid encoding IDs.


    Path to the input font file.


    Path to the output SFNT file.

DESCRIPTION

The fonttosfnt command is a utility that converts font files to SFNT (Single Font File) format. This format is a container format commonly used for TrueType and OpenType fonts. It essentially wraps the font data (glyph outlines, metrics, etc.) within a standardized structure. It's a relatively simple utility often used as part of font building toolchains, especially when dealing with raw font data or converting between different font representations. fonttosfnt is typically used in scripts or Makefiles rather than being directly invoked by users. The process can involve adding headers, checksums, and other metadata necessary for the SFNT structure. The resulting SFNT file is then more readily usable by font rendering engines and other applications that rely on standard font formats. It doesn't perform font design or modification, but rather focuses on the proper formatting and packaging of existing font data into a recognized font container format.

CAVEATS

fonttosfnt is a low-level tool and might require specific input formats. Correct usage depends on the structure of input file. It doesn't handle complex font transformations or hinting; its primary purpose is format conversion.

RETURN VALUE

The command returns 0 on successful conversion and a non-zero value if an error occurred (e.g., invalid input format, write errors).

HISTORY

The history of fonttosfnt is tied to the evolution of font formats and the need for tools to manipulate and convert between them. It emerged as part of the broader effort to provide open-source font tooling, particularly for TrueType and OpenType fonts. Its specific development details are often intertwined with other font-related utilities within larger projects.

SEE ALSO

ttfautohint(1), otfinfo(1)

Copied to clipboard