AFN File

What are AFN files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AFN file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your AFN files.

What is an AFN file?

An .AFN file is an ArtCAM Font file.

ArtCAM Font is a proprietary font file format designed for use with ArtCAM Pro, a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) program originally developed by Delcam plc. These files store custom fonts used in ArtCAM for engraving, sign-making, relief carving and other vector text work.

ArtCAM Pro's Font Editor tool creates or edits fonts and saves them as .afn files. Users can modify existing characters, contours, kerning (spacing between characters), ascent, outline order, or design entirely new vector - based glyphs. Once saved, the font becomes available in ArtCAM's Text Tool, marked with the "(AFN)" prefix in font listings.

.afn fonts are used within ArtCAM Pro exclusively, where they define how text is rendered and machined. This format enables precise vector shapes of letters which can be used in 2D or 3D text creation, conversion to toolpaths, or inclusion in artistic relief models. Because ArtCAM has been discontinued (end of official development in late 2017), support for .afn remains mostly through legacy installations or through tools maintaining compatibility.

Technically, an .afn file begins with a file header typical of Microsoft Compound File Binary format (bytes D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 at offset 0). Inside the file, identifiable ASCII strings include ROOT ENTRY, GLOBAL, SETTINGS, CHARACTERS, UNAMEDVALUELIST, and PAGE0 which serve as internal markers for data groups.

How to open AFN files

Important: Different programs may use files with the AFN file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your AFN file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single AFN opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of AFN files. Remember, different programs may use AFN files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about AFN file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.