TransType (formerly TransType SE)

TransType SE is a simple application designed to convert fonts from one format to another, providing support for popular formats such as TrueType and FontLab.

The interface is extremely clean and intuitive and that's probably the reason why the developer hasn't included a help file in the package, as beginners should have no problem in figuring out how to use the app.

There are dedicated panels for source and destination file or resources, both of them showing the family and the font name. Of course, a preview screen gives you a hint into how your fonts could look like, while a separate legend panel is placed at the bottom of the window.

TransType SE works with Mac Binary and BinHex files, which use the BIN, MACBIN and HQX extensions, TrueType fonts with TTF and TTC extensions, Type1 fonts with PFB and FontLab fonts delivered in VFB format.

It's highly recommended to have a look in the settings menu as well, as you can configure font file naming, formats, general conversion options, but also set up each supported format.

TransType SE completes the conversion process in no time, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's light on hardware resources. On Windows 7 for example, the app seems to slow down the system a little bit every once in a while, while also freezing at various intervals.

Overall however, TransType SE does what it says with the help of a clean look and minimum configuration options. A help file would be a great addition though.