Ever stumbled upon an old file with a .fnt extension and had no idea what to do with it? You’re not alone! FNT files might seem like relics from the past, but they still pop up in retro games, vintage software, or sometimes when working with bitmap fonts. Lucky for you, converting these files into modern font formats is easier than you think. Let’s walk through the process step by step, while keeping it light and fun!
What is a FNT File Anyway?
A .fnt file is an old-school font file. It usually stores bitmap fonts—these are fonts made of pixels, not scalable vectors like today’s fonts. Windows used .fnt files way back in the early days. Some game engines and graphic tools still use them today for bitmap fonts.
While useful, FNT files aren’t very flexible. That’s why converting them to formats like TTF (TrueType Font), OTF (OpenType Font), or BMFont can help you use them in newer applications or design tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert FNT to TTF, OTF, or BMFont
Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces.
Step 1: Identify Your FNT File Type
Not all FNT files are the same. Some are from Windows (Windows bitmap fonts), while others come from game assets like AngelCode’s BMFont. First, open the file with a text editor. If it’s human-readable and contains words like “info” or “common”, it’s likely a BMFont text-based file.
- If it’s binary and looks like gibberish, it might be a Windows bitmap font.
- If it’s from a game, it likely works with sprite sheets and BMFont-style formatting.
Identifying it correctly helps you pick the right tool for conversion.
Step 2: Choose the Right Conversion Tool
For BMFont Text-Based FNT Files:
Use tools like:
- FontForge (free and open-source font editor)
- Glyphr Studio (web-based font editor)
- Online converters (some websites can read and convert BMFont .fnt files)
For Windows FNT (bitmap font) Files:
Try out:
- BitFonter (designed for bitmap fonts)
- FontForge (supports certain bitmap formats with some fiddling)
- TransType (premium software, but powerful)
Note: Some tools might require a little trial and error. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
Step 3: Convert Your FNT to a More Common Format
Let’s do it! Here’s how you can convert your .fnt file using FontForge—a fan favorite in the font world.
- Download and install FontForge from its official site.
- Open FontForge and use File → Open to select your .fnt file.
- If the file opens correctly, you’ll see your glyphs on a grid.
- Now go to File → Generate Fonts.
- Choose the format: TTF, OTF, or even SVG if you’re feeling artsy.
- Click Generate and save the new font!
Voilà! You’ve got yourself a modern font file, ready for design apps, websites, or your next game project.
Step 4: Test Your New Font
Before using it in your project, test it out.
- Install it on your OS (double-click the TTF or OTF file and hit “Install”)
- Open a text document or design software (like Photoshop or Figma)
- Select your new font and type a few words
Lookin’ good? Great! If it appears broken or the spacing is funky, head back to FontForge and adjust the glyphs or metrics.
Optional: Enhance Your Fonts
Why stop at conversion? You can make your new font even better.
- Tweak existing glyphs – Smooth out those edges
- Add new characters – Need some emojis or extra symbols?
- Adjust kerning and spacing – Get the perfect character fit
In FontForge, that’s all just a few clicks away. Customize ‘til your heart’s content!
Bonus: Converting FNT for Game Development
If your FNT file is from a game (especially with a corresponding PNG sprite sheet), you can use tools like:
- BMFont Tool (from AngelCode)
- Hiero (used in LibGDX framework)
- ShoeBox (a multi-tool for game developers)
These help generate or convert font files into a texture atlas + .fnt combo that works in many 2D game engines. Ideal for crisp, pixel-perfect fonts in your retro game projects.
Tips to Make Life Easier
- Back it up – Always save a copy of the original .fnt file
- Do quick tests – Test small changes with sample text
- Use multiple tools – No one tool fits all; experiment!
- Learn the basics of font anatomy – A little knowledge goes a long way
Can You Convert FNT to Web Fonts?
You sure can! Once you’ve got your .fnt file converted to TTF or OTF, use online tools like:
These services turn your font into woff and woff2 formats that work great on websites. Just upload the file and follow the steps. Easy peasy.
Conclusion
See? Converting a FNT file isn’t black magic—it’s more like font alchemy. With the right tools and a little patience, you can breathe new life into those dusty old files. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or just someone curious about typefaces, turning that FNT into something fabulous is totally within reach.
So dig into those folders, grab that FNT file, and start converting. Who knows, your next great font discovery could be hiding in plain sight!