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pwhite2315
Participant
August 15, 2012
Question

Creating PDF from Word and not having proper font displayed even though it is embedded in Word???

  • August 15, 2012
  • 3 replies
  • 56881 views

Ok, so, we are trying to figure the best way to convert our customers Word files to PDFs once we receive them.  Sometimes, they use fonts we do not have.  Our fix, thus far, is the "embedd font" option in Word when they save the file.  This then allows us to view the font in word as it should appear (correct).  The problem is, when we creat the PDF from Word, the font is missing...even though we think we have the proper settings in our preset for the PDF creation.  Once we create the PDF, it is converting all the missing fonts to Arial MT.  We are using Acrobat X Pro

Now, the strange thing is....if we use a free, generic option (PDF Creator)....it WORKS!?!  The font appears as it should.  We are baffled at what to do???  Again, keeping in mind that we want to ensure the PDFs we create from customer Word files will always have proper font when PDF is created.  

Thoughts?? suggestions??  Thank you in advance

Paul

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    M
    Mikeguen
    Participant
    November 18, 2022

    Print to PDF is scrambled: I found that if ANY character, in the body or in the header, footer, page number etc. is using a character of an unknown font to Acrobat 9, it will scramble the print.

    I use: Lucida Console 10 for all characters and the problem disappeared.

    A
    artadspec
    Participant
    August 17, 2012

    I am so far back I cant count

    Just trying Adobe to create pdf's

    can save but cant find so cant attach to email

    Considering returning to covered wagon days

    IF you can help please eamil VERY specific instructions

    Thank You

    artadspec@comcast.net

    B
    Bill12
    Inspiring
    August 17, 2012

    I assume you mean Acrobat (probably the trial version). Any attachments would not make it to the forum anyway as attachments are not allowed for security reasons. You can post screen shots.

    To create a PDF in basic form, open any application and a document you would like to convert to PDF. Go to the file menu and select print, and denote the Adobe PDF printer. Then simply complete the process. If you go to the printer properties, on the settings tab you should have the option of asking for a file name and such. After a while the settings should make more sense, but at first they can be confusing. When you set the file name, pay attention to where you put it.

    B
    Bill12
    Inspiring
    August 17, 2012

    Use the Print or Press job options (or change the font properties in Standard) to convert to PDF. It is possible that the font is not licensed for embedding. In this case, Acrobat will not embed the font because of license issues. The fact that other conversions may work may be that they are not adhering to the license (and you would not want to post in such a case). If you use Ctrl-D when the PDF is open, you should be able to check the font tab for embedding. Since you have made the comment about the fonts being Arial MT, it suggests you have checked that and that they are not embedded. So Arial MT is the substitution font used.

    You also have to be careful that the printer properties (or PDF Maker) has the option set to use the document fonts.

      P
      pwhite2315Author
      Participant
      August 17, 2012

      Bill...thanks for the reply.  I have looked everywhere for the "convert to PDF" under the font options within the job options.  Basically, if I go to "Preferences" - "Advanced Settings" there is a tab for fonts.  I do not see that option you speak of anywhere.   I not only have the Word file embedding the font on save, but, also the PDF job options is set to embed. 

      It does make sense about the licensing issue.  That very well may be the issue and no way around it.  Again, thanks for the info!

      Paul

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      August 17, 2012

      The Adobe PDF printer has an option "Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts". That sounds as if it would have this effect.  Change it from the Printers Control Panel, restart Word.

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