Have a weird problem of missing f's
Have a weird problem: The operator of computer A does a newsletter in MS Publisher and converts it to a PDF file and emails it to computer B as an attachment. On computer B screen it looks great but...
Forum Discussion
1492 wrote:
My suggestion is to do a little research on how PDF works. I think you'll find that if a recipient does not have the necessary fonts in a PDF document that didn't embed fonts, then the PDF reader will attempt to substitute for an available font. However, if it cannot discern a character to substitute, it will either leave it blank or will swap with an erroneous character.
You can avoid this 100% by creating the PDF from a bitmap image file instead. Another way is to make sure to "embed fonts" when creating a PDF. Both of these will result in larger PDF file sizes.
Lastly, to keep PDF file sizes to a minimum w/o font embedding, then use only common fonts found on most computers such as Times Roman or Arial.
Bingo. To further complicate things, sometimes the VERY common fonts such as Arial, or Helvetica, have changed over the years. Yes, sounds nuts, but they have changed. Both Mac and PC. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of versions of Arial, as well as Helvetica, as well as Geneva, Helvetica Neue, etc.
So, a conversion to bitmap prior to generating the PDF, or converting all fonts to outlines prior to making the PDF is the 100% safest thing to do. Be advised, however, that all bitmap files aren't created equal - what looks great on your screen can look very jagged/bumpy (the industry term is "bitpmapped") according to how you generate or make the file natively.
By the way, as far as my background, I'm a Degreed Graphic Designer, with over 15 years experience in numerous settings, all kinds of print media, etc. I deal with these types of things day in and day out when working with files provided by customers.
