Skip to main content
emilyw64985397
emilyw64985397
Participant
April 15, 2024
Answered

Extract PDF API returns BAD_PDF_UNSUPPORTED_FONT

  • April 15, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 2223 views

I've created a PDF using Adobe InDesign and was attempting to extract the text from the PDF using the API.  However, I'm getting the following error:

  • Known exception encountered while executing operation ServiceApiError: BAD_PDF - Unable to extract content.: The input file contains font data that is corrupted or not supported

 

Then further down:

  • BAD_PDF_UNSUPPORTED_FONT

 

 

When I use the Export PDF API to turn the PDF file into a MSWord .docx file, then use Word to print to PDF, and try the Extract PDF API on the modified pdf file, I dont encounter the same problem.

Does anyone know of a way to make the Extract API more forgiving?  IE Allowing me to get the desired result without jumping through additional hoops?   Or why the original PDF has been generated in a way that the Extract API doesnt like the font metadata.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer emilyw64985397

An example PDF is attached.

2 replies

emilyw64985397
emilyw64985397AuthorCorrect answer
Participant
April 15, 2024

An example PDF is attached.

Joel Geraci
Community Expert
Joel GeraciCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 17, 2024

There are, in fact, a ton of font errors in this PDF. Exporting to Word uses a different tool which is why it can be read.

emilyw64985397
emilyw64985397Author
Participant
April 23, 2024

Thanks for taking a look Joel.  There's a couple of things that don't seem right to me about this:

  • Why would InDesign allow the creation of a PDF file with so many errors in it?
  • And why does the Extract API care about the errors?
    • It's primary purpose is to extract text from the PDF so refusing to handle a PDF that looks  valid to an end user doesnt feel like a robust enough system to be generally useful.
Joel Geraci
Community Expert
Joel GeraciCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 15, 2024

Can you share the PDF in question?

emilyw64985397
emilyw64985397Author
Participant
April 15, 2024

Hi Joel,  I've added a copy of the knitting pattern called "flax sweater" as a separater reply to my original post.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices