awt

.awt — Adobe Photoshop Font Metrics (AWT)

Adobe Systems · 1996

Developer

Adobe Systems

Key Features

Contains typographic metrics for PostScript fonts.
Specifies character widths, kerning, and spacing data.
Ensures consistent font rendering and layout.
Proprietary format developed by Adobe Systems.

Best For

Accurate typographic layout for legacy PostScript fonts.
Ensuring proper kerning and spacing in professional print design.
Compatibility with older Adobe publishing workflows.

Less Ideal For

Storing actual font glyph data (it's a metrics file).
Modern font embedding (formats like OpenType or TrueType are preferred).
Use with non-PostScript fonts.
Cross-platform font sharing without associated font files.

Common Use Cases

Used with older Adobe PostScript Type 1 fonts.
Ensuring accurate character spacing and kerning in print documents.
Providing layout information for typesetting applications.
Facilitating consistent typographic output across different software.

How to Open It

AWT files are typically not opened directly by end-users; they are used by font management software and applications that support PostScript Type 1 fonts.
Software like Adobe Distiller or older versions of Adobe InDesign might reference AWT files during PostScript font processing.
Manual editing is possible with a text editor, but it requires deep knowledge of the AWT specification and is generally not recommended.

What is a .awt file?

The AWT (Adobe Font Metrics) file format is a proprietary font file format developed by Adobe Systems. It was primarily used in conjunction with older versions of Adobe PostScript fonts. These files contain detailed information about the typographic metrics of a font, such as character widths, kerning pairs, and spacing. While not a font file itself (it doesn't contain the actual glyph data), AWT files are essential for correctly rendering and spacing PostScript fonts. They were crucial for ensuring consistent typographic output across different applications and printing devices.

Programs That Open .awt Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Adobe Distiller	Paid	Official
macOS	Adobe Distiller	Paid	Official

Common Problems with .awt Files

⚠️ Font spacing or kerning appears incorrect.

Ensure the associated PostScript font files (e.g., .pfm, .ps) and the .awt file are correctly installed and referenced by the application. Check for any missing font metric data.

⚠️ Cannot directly open or view .awt file contents.

.awt files are metrics files, not visual font files. They are read by software that processes PostScript fonts. You cannot open them to see glyphs directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AWT file used for?▼

An AWT file contains typographic metric data for Adobe PostScript fonts, defining character spacing, kerning, and other layout information.

Can I open an AWT file to see the font characters?▼

No, an AWT file does not contain the visual outlines (glyphs) of the characters. It's a text-based metadata file for font rendering.

Is AWT still relevant today?▼

AWT is largely a legacy format associated with older PostScript Type 1 fonts. Modern font formats like OpenType and TrueType are more common and versatile.

Technical Details

AWT files are plain text files that describe the precise spacing and kerning characteristics of a PostScript font. They do not contain the actual vector outlines of the characters but rather metadata that tells software how to position and space them. This data was used by applications and printers to render text accurately.

Did You Know?

AWT files are plain text and can be opened in any text editor, though their contents are technical.

The 'WT' in AWT stands for 'Width Table', referring to its primary function of defining character widths.

Security Information

AWT files are generally considered safe as they are plain text metadata files and do not contain executable code or complex embedded objects. However, as with any file, ensure it originates from a trusted source.