Printing Problems

How to Fix Custom Fonts Replaced When Printing from Word on iPad

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience unexpected font substitutions when attempting to print or export Word documents to PDF on an iPad using non-default custom fonts.

Product: Microsoft Word for iPad
Device & OS: iPadOS / iOS
Scenario: Printing a document or saving it as a PDF from the Word application on an iPad.
Observed behavior: Custom fonts installed on the iPad are replaced with generic default fonts because Word for iOS does not natively support embedding fonts into documents.

Before you start

Verify that your custom fonts are correctly installed on your iPad via a configuration profile, and check if you have access to a desktop computer to apply font-embedding settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Embed Fonts Using Word for Desktop

Since Word for iPad cannot embed fonts natively, use a desktop computer to embed them before editing the file on your iPad.

This workaround relies on the desktop version of Microsoft Word, which fully supports font embedding. Once the fonts are embedded into the file structure on a computer, the document can be safely transferred to the iPad.

Create or open the document on a computer

Start by creating a new document or opening your existing file using Microsoft Word on a Windows PC or Mac.

Access Save Options

Navigate to the top menu, click on 'File', select 'Options', and then click on the 'Save' tab in the left-hand menu.

Enable Font Embedding

Check the box labeled 'Embed fonts in the file' to ensure custom typography is saved directly within the document.

Upload and edit on iPad

Save the document and upload it to your OneDrive. You can now open and edit the file using Word for iOS on your iPad.

Conversion Variations: Even with embedded fonts, converting the document to PDF on an iPad may still occasionally result in minor formatting or font differences due to iOS rendering engines.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Report the limitation directly to Microsoft to encourage developers to add font embedding support to the iPadOS version of Word.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Formatting

If you are frustrated by mobile formatting limitations, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for iPad. Experience robust PDF conversion and seamless editing across all your devices without losing your formatting.

1. Download the App: Visit the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the free application.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word document directly from your device's local storage or your preferred cloud drive.
3. Export to PDF: Use the built-in PDF export tools located in the 'Tools' menu to securely save your document while preserving its original formatting.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxBuilt-in robust PDF converter that reliably preserves original document layoutsLightweight app design that runs smoothly on iPadOS, iOS, Mac, and PCFree to download and use with an intuitive, familiar user interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my custom fonts change when I save as a PDF on my iPad?

Word for iPad does not natively support embedding custom fonts into the document file. When you export the file to PDF, the system cannot locate the embedded font data and automatically substitutes it with a standard default font.

Can I install custom fonts directly into Word for iPad?

While you can install custom fonts system-wide on your iPad using configuration profiles or third-party font apps, Word for iPad still cannot embed these installed fonts into the saved document for reliable printing or PDF export.

Does Apple Pages support font embedding on the iPad?

Yes, unlike Microsoft Word for iPad, Apple Pages natively supports font embedding on iPadOS, which allows documents with custom fonts to be printed and exported to PDF accurately.

Document & File Issues