.bfm — Broderbund Fontasy Font Module
Broderbund Software · 1980s
.bfm files are proprietary bitmap font modules used by older Broderbund software for custom text and graphics.
Key Features
- Proprietary bitmap font format.
- Contains pixel-based character data.
- Used specifically by Broderbund applications.
- Limited scalability and resolution-dependent.
Best For
- Users needing to open or convert old Broderbund font files.
- Archivists or historians studying early desktop publishing fonts.
- Retro computing enthusiasts working with vintage software.
Less Ideal For
- Modern graphic design requiring scalable vector fonts.
- Web design or digital typography.
- Cross-platform font compatibility.
- Applications requiring high-resolution or scalable text.
Common Use Cases
- Designing custom text for print projects in older Broderbund software.
- Creating unique titles or labels for graphics or educational materials.
- Providing stylized fonts for games or creative applications from the era.
How to Open It
- Attempt to open them within the original Broderbund software they were designed for (e.g., The Print Shop).
- Use specialized font conversion utilities if available, often found on retro computing forums.
- If graphics related, some older graphics editors might import them, but this is uncommon.
What is a .bfm file?
The .bfm file extension is primarily associated with older font files used by Broderbund software, particularly their creative and educational applications from the late 1980s and early 1990s. These files contained custom bitmap fonts designed for specific programs like Print Shop or other graphics utilities. They were not standard system fonts but rather proprietary formats meant to be used within the Broderbund ecosystem. While they were essential for creating unique text designs back then, they are largely obsolete today due to the prevalence of modern font formats and improved graphics capabilities.
Programs That Open .bfm Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | The Print Shop | Paid | Official |
How to Convert .bfm Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .PNG | Screenshotting within original software, Specialized font converters (rare) |
| .BMP | Screenshotting within original software, Specialized font converters (rare) |
Common Problems with .bfm Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .bfm files are largely obsolete and are only relevant for users working with legacy Broderbund software.
Conversion is very difficult and often imperfect due to the fundamental difference between bitmap and vector formats. Specialized, often rare, tools might offer limited conversion.
Technical Details
BFM files are binary files containing bitmap font data. Each character is represented by a grid of pixels, defining its appearance. The format is not scalable and is optimized for specific resolutions common on hardware of its era. It stores glyph information, character metrics, and potentially kerning data in a custom structure proprietary to Broderbund.