ttf2lff -i cleaned.ttf -o myfont.lff -r 300 -e cp850 -s 10
In the world of document management and enterprise content management (ECM), few things are as critical—and as frustrating—as font compatibility. When working with legacy document archiving systems like LaserFiche, users often encounter a specific, obscure file extension: .LFF (LaserFiche Font File). The challenge arises when you have a modern, beautifully designed TrueType Font (.TTF) that you need to use within LaserFiche’s rendering engine. The solution? A dedicated conversion utility known simply as TTF2LFF.
TTF2LFF is a specialized software tool (often a command-line utility or a legacy Windows application) designed to convert standard Windows TrueType fonts into the proprietary LaserFiche Font format. This article dives deep into what TTF2LFF is, why it exists, how to use it, and the best practices for integrating custom fonts into LaserFiche document management systems.
Rating: ⭐⭐ – Works if you have the right environment, but not plug-and-play.
Assuming you have a legacy printer that requires an LFF font, here is the typical workflow using a modern open-source version of TTF2LFF. ttf2lff
Check-in kiosks, baggage tag printers, and cargo manifest systems from the late 1990s still run on hardened DOS or OS/2. Their print spoolers are hardcoded to LFF. Airport IT teams use TTF2LFF to comply with new IATA barcode regulations by embedding new fonts into old hardware.
You might wonder: with modern printer drivers supporting PCL6, PostScript, and PDF, why bother with LFF? Here are four real-world scenarios where TTF2LFF is still indispensable:
While ttf2lff is a robust tool, the following limitations and considerations should be noted: ttf2lff -i cleaned
Step 1: Prepare the TrueType Font
Install the TTF font on your Windows system (right-click > Install) or place it in a known folder. Note the exact font name as Windows sees it (e.g., "Arial Narrow Bold").
Step 2: Open Command Prompt
Launch cmd.exe as Administrator. Navigate to the folder containing ttf2lff.exe.
Step 3: Run the Basic Conversion Command
The typical syntax is: In the world of document management and enterprise
ttf2lff -f "Arial Narrow Bold" -o outputfolder\customfont.lff
Flags vary by version, but common options include:
Step 4: Copy the LFF File
Move the generated .LFF file to LaserFiche’s font directory (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\LaserFiche\Common\Fonts\).
Step 5: Register the Font in LaserFiche
Open LaserFiche Administration Console > Font Manager > Import LFF. Restart LaserFiche services.