Forum Discussion

PaulMoloney's avatar
PaulMoloney
Copper Contributor
Mar 08, 2025

Microsoft Word "Save as PDF" - fonts not rendering

Hi all,

I have a Word document which uses the Readex Pro family of fonts:

https://github.com/ThomasJockin/readexpro

I have all fonts installed locally and when I view it in Word, it appears as rendered: the main font used is Readex Pro Deca Light, while headings used Readex Pro Deca SemiBold.


However, when I use "Save a Copy > PDF" in Word, everything is rendered as Readex Pro Deca Light. (That happens with the "Bitmap text..." in the options either on or off.

If I use Print > Print to PDF, the headings are rendered in the right font. But of course I don't get features that way such as a left-hand navigation pane of headings in the resulting PDF.

Does anyone know why Microsoft Word's "Save a Copy > PDF" seems not to use font families correctly? Is there a workaround here?

2 Replies

  • WestonBlade's avatar
    WestonBlade
    Iron Contributor
    Mar 13, 2025

    1. Force embedded fonts
    Windows: File → Save As → PDF → Click “Options” → Check “Embed Fonts
    Mac: Export as PDF → Check “Always Embed Fonts
    Replace with system fonts
    2. Select all documents (Ctrl + A / Cmd + A) → change to Calibri / Arial / Microsoft Yahei → re-save PDF
    Clear font cache
    3. Close Word → Delete the path file:
    C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\FontCache → Restart the computer.

     

  • oakwayne's avatar
    oakwayne
    Copper Contributor
    Mar 12, 2025

    Ensure that the fonts are embedded in the PDF when saving. Some fonts may not embed correctly, leading to rendering issues.

    1. Open your Word document.
    2. Go to File > Options.
    3. Click on Save in the left sidebar.
    4. Scroll down to the section labeled "Preserve fidelity when sharing this document."
    5. Check the box for “Embed fonts in the file.”

Resources