Skip to main content
Y
yp17
New Participant
March 14, 2023
Answered

Creating a score PDF as vector graphics only, with no embedded fonts

  • March 14, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 1087 views

Hello all -- I posted this same question in the Acrobat forum, but I've been advised that Illustrator is probably the way to go. (It may also be the Photoshop could be useful, based on what I've seen online.)

 

I create musical scores using Finale and then export them as PDFs to share with collaborators. Though it's rare, on a few occasions, embedded fonts have created problems -- e.g. some elements haven't printed correctly. In order to make the files as secure and archivable as possible, I'd like to create versions that are 100% vector graphics and contain no embedded fonts. Assuming that the PDF I start out with looks correct when I've exported it from Finale, what should I do to it? Thanks in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

So what's your goal? The text should be outlined (converted to paths)? Or just the font not embedded?

 

In order to outline the text I would not use Illustrator for that, but do it in Acrobat  https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/why-wont-my-fonts-outline/td-p/10279598

2 replies

Monika Gause
Monika GauseCorrect answer
Braniac
March 14, 2023

So what's your goal? The text should be outlined (converted to paths)? Or just the font not embedded?

 

In order to outline the text I would not use Illustrator for that, but do it in Acrobat  https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/why-wont-my-fonts-outline/td-p/10279598

Y
yp17Author
New Participant
March 14, 2023

Hi Monica -- thanks so much! This seems to have worked! I was just sent back from the Acrobat forum to the Illustrator forum, but luckily you are familiar enough with both programs.

 

Just to explain my goal (which a few people brought up in the thread you linked for me). Embedded fonts don't always work. It's not really even relevant if that's because of bugs in Adobe products or elsewhere, it's just a massive risk to take. Compatibility issues seem to be getting worse each year, and tech increasingly glitchy and unreliable. I am, in fact, very worried of how much we'll lose of our heritage with file types that may turn out to be unarchivable. A lot of composers are aware of this general problem since notation software is notoriously horrific in this regard. For example: as many of my colleagues do, I archive my old laptops, not just the files -- otherwise they won't open correctly. (Older versions of the programs can't be installed if your OS is too new, and newest versions of the software mess up older files.) However, a lot of composers are under the false impression that having their work as PDFs makes them safe and archivable. This is not true, except with purely graphic files. It's anyone's guess whether these files will open properly in 5, 10, or 30 years.

    sishamIAGD
    sishamIAGD
    Braniac
    March 14, 2023

    If you can open the PDF with Illustrator and you see no issues (not saying you won't) you can select the page elements and create outlines of them and then re-save as a PDF. It would be a case of trial and error and a bit of testing to make sure that this is a viable way of doing what you want.

    Y
    yp17Author
    New Participant
    March 14, 2023

    Thanks a lot. So this would mean first command-A for "select all", right? And then how do I create outlines?

    Monika Gause
    Monika Gause
    Braniac
    March 14, 2023

    If you really want to use Illustrator for that:

    Open the PDF (All Pages)

    Make sure the option for linking the pages (instead of embedding them) is turned on.

    Select the single pages and Object > Flatten transparency. Check "Oultine fonts"

    Save the PDF.

    But as I already wrote: I would not use Illustrator for that when you have Acrobat Pro

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