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Participant
October 7, 2024
Question

Custom organization fonts getting replaced with generic font while using save as pdf, export, print

  • October 7, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 201 views

Our organization has some custom fonts in .otf format installed locally in the systems font folder and the organization asset library to reflect in the office online. Fonts reflect correctly when we create a document using the Office desktop app (PowerPoint or Word) and save it as a PDF. Still, organisations' fonts are replaced with generic fonts when using the Office online (web version). What could be the issue, and how can it be fixed?

 

Please remember that the issue only happens on the web version of the office.

1 reply

Legend
January 22, 2025

Hi, 

 

When converting documents to PDF, especially those containing custom or organization-specific fonts, it's common to encounter issues where these fonts are replaced with generic ones. This typically occurs because the fonts aren't embedded in the PDF during the conversion process. To address this problem, consider the following steps:Embed Fonts During PDF Conversion:

  • Using Adobe Acrobat:

    • In Microsoft Word, navigate to the "Acrobat" tab.
    • Click on "Preferences."
    • Select the desired "Conversion Settings" profile and then click on "Advanced Settings."
    • Go to the "Fonts" section and ensure that "Embed all fonts" is checked.
    • If necessary, save this profile under a new name and use it for your conversions.
  • Using Microsoft Word's Built-in PDF Export:

    • Click on the "File" tab.
    • Choose "Options," then "Save."
    • At the bottom, check the box labeled "Embed fonts in the file."
    • After enabling this, save your document as a PDF.
  1. Adjust Adobe PDF Printer Settings:

    • Open the "Devices and Printers" section from your computer's Control Panel.
    • Right-click on "Adobe PDF" and select "Printing Preferences."
    • Click on "Adobe PDF Settings."
    • Ensure that the option "Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts" is unchecked.
    • This setting allows the PDF printer to use the fonts embedded in your document rather than substituting them.
  2. Check Font Licensing Restrictions:

    • Some fonts have licensing restrictions that prevent them from being embedded in PDF files.
    • If a font cannot be embedded due to licensing, Adobe Acrobat will substitute it with a generic font.
    • To verify, open the PDF in Acrobat, press Ctrl+D to view "Document Properties," and check the "Fonts" tab to see the embedding status.
  3. Use the Adobe PDF Printer Method:

    • Instead of using the "Save As" or "Export" options, print the document using the "Adobe PDF" printer.
    • This method often provides better control over font embedding and can resolve substitution issues.

By ensuring that fonts are properly embedded during the PDF creation process and adjusting the necessary settings, you can maintain the integrity of your custom fonts and prevent them from being replaced with generic alternatives.


~Tariq