How to export with letter contours??

[defaultnt1086gfcr7d]

Previously I always used a slightly older version of Indesign. If I wanted to export a file to PDF, I went to the 'Advanced' tab and then indicated "convert to letter contours" under 'Preset'.

Now I'm working with the new version and I no longer see this option. After a lot of searching on the internet, I came up with the following method: select all text, then convert text to letter outlines and then export your file. Unfortunately, the file will then no longer be editable. Can anyone tell me if the method I used before is now completely gone? Then I have to adjust my working method.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Never ever do it this way - convert text to outlines. 

When exporting Print PDF - use PDF/X-4.

Or better yet - ask your printer to supply you with a profile. 

[Scott Falkner]

You should not be converting text to paths in InDesign unless you have a specific need for the text to be paths. Examples include adding a gradient (which can be done to text but it is very porrly implemented), editing the path of text, using text as a mask.

PDFs do not need to have text converted to paths. I understand some vendors either require it or think they require it, and you cannot always choose your vendors.

The best way to convert text to paths in a PDF is with Acrobat. Open the PDF in Acrobat then open the Preflight window (Click All Tools, then Use Print Production, then Preflight). In the Preflight window search for Outlines then double-click on Convert Fonts to Outlines. You wil be prompted to save a new PDF.

[defaultnt1086gfcr7d]

I never knew this. I tried it with Acrobat and it works. Thanks a lot!

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

But there is no sensible reason to do it? 

[defaultnt1086gfcr7d]

My printing company asks for PDF files with letter contours. So yes, there is a reason to do it. 

[Willi Adelberger]

No, there is never a reason to convert text to outlines. If the printer requires it, choose a different on. If you do not have a chance to change the printer, then do the converting in Acrobat Pro. There is no problem to do it.

[defaultnt1086gfcr7d]

Alright, thanks. I'll look into it.

[Willi Adelberger]

Here is a screenshot to show some problems, but far not all when you do the outlining in InDesign. The left column is the original in a multi page document. The right column is the very same content after outlining text. Do you really want to disappear footnotes, paragraph and text frames and colors, paragraph lines and strike through, underlines, cross references and much more? This risk is to high for me. Therefore never outline text in InDesign.

[rob day]

My printing company asks for PDF files with letter contours. So yes, there is a reason to do it.

Online printers, where the output is automated, will request outlines as a precaution against missing fonts, but that is unlikely with a PDF because fonts are always embedded unless you are using a font with embedding restrictions. I doubt they will reject the job if you don’t outline.

Rather than outlining you can check the font usage in Acrobat via File>Propertiess...>Fonts.

If you are not sure about restrictions, InDesign’s Find/Replace Font will tell you if embedding is allowed:

[Peter Spier]

There are some specialty processes, such as cutting vinyl signs, that require outlines, and I suspect that there are still printers in some parts of thew world using older technology that are stuck in outmoded workflows.

[Peter Spier]

If you have a real reason to need conversion from type to paths, it is best to do it in Acrobat Pro after making the PDF.  This will preserve any enhancements, like automatic numbers and bullets, as well as adornments like underlines that would be lost converting before making the PDF.