File extension .BDF
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Bdiff Bupdate Binary Update Format | Adobe Systems | Font Files |
The BDF (Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format) file extension is a plain text type format used for storing font data. It was originally created by Adobe Systems in 1985 for the bitmap distribution of PC fonts on the X Window System. In addition, BDF files are mainly used by various types of software programs including desktop publishing software, HTML authoring tools, and bitmap viewers.
Features of BDF File Extension
The format of a BDF file consists of an 8-bit ASCII string and associated font metric information. In most cases, they contain latin characters, as the original purpose of the format was to distribute Latin and CJK (Chinese Japanese Korean) fonts on X Window systems. They are also capable of containing multi-byte characters such as Unicode or supporting any type of font 'metrics' (such as kerning). The BDF file contains information about glyphs, such as their character codes, advance widths, instructions for positioning them horizontally, and additional information related to the fonts themselves.
Comparisons with Other File Formats
The BDF file format is similar in many ways to other font formats like TrueType ( TTF) or PostScript Fonts ( PFA/PFB) and its variants ( PFA/PFB/DFont/ AbsFont) but distinct from them in several important ways. Unlike TTF, BDF, stores its own metrics associated with its glyphs; no external metrics can be stored in this type of file. On the other hand, Postscript Fonts ( PFA/PFB) which are binary data streams representing glyph specifications are stored with an associated metrics file while BDFs cannot hold any extra font metric information outside of their own glyphs.
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .BDF) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .BDF extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .BDF file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .BDF extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .BDF extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .BDF file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .BDF file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .BDF file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .BDF file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .BDF file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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