Print glossary
Embedding fonts in a PDF
An embedded font travels inside the PDF as part of the file. If it's missing, the printer's system substitutes another font – line breaks shift, text can run out of its box, and in the worst case characters are missing. That's why print PDFs must have all fonts embedded.
How to embed fonts
- InDesign, Illustrator, Affinity: export with a PDF/X preset (e.g. PDF/X-4) – fonts are embedded automatically.
- Canva: embeds fonts automatically when you download a PDF.
- Microsoft Word (Windows): File → Save As → PDF → Options → check “ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)”. PDF/A requires all fonts to be embedded.
- Other programs: look for an option like “embed fonts” or “embed all fonts” in the PDF export.
When a font can't be embedded
Some fonts are licensed so they may not be embedded. In that case, choose a different font, or convert the text to outlines in a layout program before exporting.
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