How to Fix PDF Fonts Looking Different in Outlook Preview
Question details
The user needs to know why fonts in a PDF attachment look incorrect or completely different when viewed in the Outlook preview pane, and how to fix this rendering issue.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to preview a PDF attachment directly within Microsoft Outlook's reading pane.
- Observed behavior
- The fonts displayed in the Outlook PDF preview differ from the original document's fonts, indicating a rendering discrepancy in the preview handler.
Ensure you have saved any drafted emails and have administrator privileges on your computer, as you will need to install Office updates and modify system applications.
Reinstall Your PDF Handler and Update Microsoft Office
Resetting the PDF preview handler by cleanly reinstalling your default PDF viewer (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader) and updating Office is the most effective way to restore correct font rendering.
Microsoft Outlook does not include a built-in PDF previewer. Instead, it relies on the preview handler provided by the PDF application installed on your computer. If the fonts look different, the installed handler may be outdated, corrupted, or failing to load embedded fonts correctly.
Open your system settings or Control Panel, locate your current PDF application (like Adobe Acrobat Reader), and uninstall it completely.
Open Microsoft Outlook, go to File > Office Account > Update Options, and click 'Update Now' to install the latest Office updates from Microsoft Support.
Fully exit Microsoft Outlook to ensure no files associated with the preview handler are currently in use.
Download the latest version of your preferred PDF viewer from its official website and run the installer.
Go to your system settings, search for 'Default apps', and set the newly installed PDF application as the default program for opening .pdf files.
Reopen Microsoft Outlook, select an email with a PDF attachment, and check the preview pane to see if the fonts now render correctly.
Experience Seamless PDF Handling with WPS Office
Struggling with Microsoft Office preview bugs and third-party PDF handlers? Try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight all-in-one suite that includes a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor, ensuring your documents and fonts render flawlessly without complex troubleshooting.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Set as Default: Set WPS Office as your default application for Office documents and PDFs to enjoy integrated, error-free viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook use a different font in the PDF preview?
Outlook does not have a native PDF viewer and relies entirely on third-party preview handlers installed on your system. If the handler fails to process the PDF's embedded fonts correctly, it will substitute them with standard system fonts, altering the document's appearance.
How do I fix the 'This file cannot be previewed' error in Outlook?
This error occurs when Outlook cannot find a valid PDF preview handler. To fix it, install a reliable PDF reader (such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat), go to your Windows Default Apps settings, and ensure the installed reader is set as the default application for the .pdf file type.
Can I preview PDFs in Outlook without Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Yes. As long as you have another PDF application installed that provides a Windows preview handler, Outlook can use it. Simply install your preferred PDF software and set it as the default PDF application in your operating system settings.
