Eps files not rendering correctly when exporting to PDF

[DrewWess]

I have an EPS file with fonts created to outline that has been imported into InDesign. When exporting the file to a PDF the EPS file does not render correctly adding extra weight to the "I" letterform (see attached). Has anyone had an issue on how to correct this or experienced this issue? The file appears fine in Illustrator. I have even tried saving the EPS as an AI file and tried a number of export options. The file prints correctly but the screen view shows the file incorrect.

[BobLevine]

That is always going to be an issue when converting type to outlines. Go back to the original Illustrator file and save it as a PDF and then place that. DO NOT CONVERT THE FONTS!

[DrewWess]

When creating a custom logo in Illustrator and adjusting the shape of the font, how do you avoid creating outlines?

[Jeffrey_Smith]

What you are viewing is Acrobat's rendering of the object, and has not affected the outline, only the display. The PDF can be used in print, and will not be an issue.

If the display is a concern, consider using different file formats for the various methods.

[BobLevine]

Right. PNG might be a better choice for screens.

[Dov Isaacs · Accepted solution]

This type (pun intended) of problem is typical of what happens when text is “outlined” and some of the outlines are actually very thin line segments. In general, you should avoid outlining text as opposed to using text realized via fonts like the plague!

That having been said, there is an option in both Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader found in Preferences=>Page Display=>Rendering labelled Enhance Thin Lines. By default, this option is enabled. The idea of this particular feature is to make very thin vector lines (such as one might see in some CAD output) more visible or even visible at all. Disable Enhance Thin Lines and your outlined ‘I’ may look more normal on screen.

However, if you leave that option disabled, other PDF file objects may look very anemic!

Let us know if that helps.

[Jeffrey_Smith · Accepted solution]

I think it is important to note, that the Preferences that Dov mentions are application settings, and apply only to your version of Acrobat/Reader. These settings are not document settings, and will not apply to anyone else viewing this PDF.

[Dov Isaacs]

That is indeed correct! And that is a good reason not to outline text.

[DrewWess]

Noted. Thank you for this feedback and assurance the file created was not corrupt! I imagine this preference makes sense for certain applications and will avoid outlined type when possible.