Have a weird problem of missing f's

Wouldn't happen at all if it was a graphic file to start with.

The problem goes on but now I have a new twist. I get the file and print it out and the f are missing. Send the file to my wife PC and she prints it out on her printer and the f are missing. She can send the file back to my computer and I print it out and everything is fine.
My hate/love with computers goes on.
RV Jim

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.

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.

I worked on a problem like that for an insurance company many years ago found when the PC sent the double character the printer saw it as an unprintable attribute. Problem was in the printer firmware.

In order to reduce file size, PDF can include font info in a document without actually embedding it, but requires the recipient to have the same fonts installed on their computer in order to print as intended. My guess is that you don't have the necessary font. This can be avoided if the person sending you the file creates the PDF as an image, but could increase its size dramatically.

PDF generation from publisher is often sketchy at best. You could be having a font issue/conflict between computers, or even from computer to printer.

Change the font to something different. See if the problem still occurs. If not, problem solved.

If it still happens, you need to embed the font in the PDF during the pdf process. There should be an option from Publisher to do that.

RVJimofOregon wrote:
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 when it is printed the double f’s in every word don’t print (EXAMPLE: coffee is co ee).
The same thing happens when computer B send it to computer C, looks great on the screen but the f’s don’t print (different printer).
Computer B send it to computer D looks great and prints great (different printer).
Where should I start looking?
Thanks:
RV Jim

What OS are you using? What version of Office? I seem to recall a few years back seeing an issue using, I believe Win 7 and MS Office- not sure which version, to create PDF's, that had that or a similar issue...
Is your computer fully updated? Although it seems like it was a printer driver issue. You can try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. Verify the fonts used as often you can dl various fonts for printers.(You may try searching using keywords like your OS, version of office, and try a few different things like doule characters, double letters, etc. Keep in mind that you may not find the exact same error, such as double ff's, however the solution is often the same...)

Is it using an odd font?

sounds like drivers to printer or the PDF application software itself. I would seek out a different PDF software online and try that.