File Format & Compatibility

Fix Incorrect Fonts and Broken Hyperlinks When Exporting Word to PDF

WPS Editor Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to successfully export a Word document to PDF while retaining the correct fonts and functioning hyperlinks.

How to Fix Incorrect Fonts and Broken Hyperlinks in Word to PDF Exports

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting a formatted document containing custom fonts and active hyperlinks into a PDF file format.
Observed behavior: The exported PDF fails to display fonts correctly, and hyperlinks may become broken or unclickable, even after enabling font embedding and applying recent software updates.

Before you start

Ensure your operating system and Microsoft Office suite are updated to the latest versions, as missing patches are a common cause of PDF rendering and export bugs.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Font Embedding and Use the Save As PDF Method

Ensure fonts are licensed for embedding and use Word's native 'Save As' feature instead of 'Print to PDF' to preserve both formatting and hyperlinks.

When using 'Print to PDF', hyperlinks are often flattened into plain text, and restricted fonts may be substituted. Using the built-in export tool ensures document structural tags and embedded fonts are correctly processed.

Verify Font Install and Licenses

Navigate to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Fonts. Right-click the affected fonts and check their properties to ensure they do not have restricted license properties that prevent embedding.

Enable Font Embedding

Open your document in Word, click File > Options > Save. Check the box for 'Embed fonts in the file'. For best results, uncheck 'Do not embed common system fonts'.

Export Using Save As

Click File > Save As and select PDF from the format dropdown. Click the 'Options...' button below the format selection.

Enable Accessibility Tags

In the Options dialog, ensure that 'Document structure tags for accessibility' is checked. This setting is required to keep hyperlinks clickable in the resulting PDF. Click OK, then Save.

Verify Font Embedding and Use the Save As PDF Method

Proper Export Method: Using the 'Save As' or 'Export' menu natively processes internal links and embedded objects, solving most broken hyperlink issues instantly.

Solution 2

Test Document Integrity and Update Software

Isolate the issue to see if it is a global application error or specific to one corrupt document.

Flawless PDF Export Alternative

Export Word Documents to PDF Flawlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a highly capable, built-in PDF converter that perfectly preserves your original fonts, document formatting, and active hyperlinks without requiring complex configurations.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open your problematic .docx file.
2. Access PDF Export: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Export to PDF' from the dropdown list.
3. Configure Settings: In the Export dialog, verify that the 'Hyperlinks' and 'Embed Fonts' options are checked to ensure full retention of document elements.
4. Export Document: Choose your save location and click the 'Export' button to generate a perfectly formatted PDF with working links and proper fonts.

Perfectly retains original fonts and formatting during PDF conversionFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) file formatsAutomatically preserves clickable hyperlinks, cross-references, and bookmarksFree, lightweight, and exceptionally easy to use on Windows, Mac, and mobile

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my fonts change or look different when I save a Word document as a PDF?

This happens when the custom fonts used in your document are not embedded during the save process, or if the font has licensing restrictions. Ensure 'Embed fonts in the file' is enabled under File > Options > Save before exporting.

Why are my hyperlinks not clickable in the exported PDF?

Using the 'Print to PDF' virtual printer often flattens the document and removes interactive elements like hyperlinks. To fix this, always use 'File > Save As > PDF' or 'File > Export' and ensure 'Document structure tags for accessibility' is checked.

Can a corrupted font file cause PDF export issues?

Yes, if a font file is damaged or incorrectly installed in the Windows Fonts directory, Word may fail to render it correctly in a PDF. Reinstalling the specific font from its source file often resolves the issue.

Is there a free alternative to fix Word to PDF export bugs?

Yes, you can open your document in free alternative software like WPS Office. Its native 'Export to PDF' feature is highly compatible with Microsoft formats and efficiently handles embedded fonts and active hyperlinks.

Document & File Issues