Fix Adobe PDF Printer Creating a Log File Instead of PDF in Outlook
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where printing an email to PDF creates a log file reporting missing fonts instead of generating the actual PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe PDF Printer / Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a PDF from a Microsoft Outlook email using the Adobe PDF virtual printer.
- Observed behavior
- A log file is generated instead of a PDF, displaying an 'invalidfont' error which indicates that Segoe UI and Calibri fonts are missing or inaccessible.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer, as installing or repairing system fonts for all users requires elevated permissions.
Repair or Reinstall Segoe UI and Calibri Fonts
Resolve the 'invalidfont' error by restoring the missing system fonts required by the Adobe PDF printer spooler.
The Adobe PDF printer relies on the Windows print spooler service to process documents. If standard fonts like Segoe UI and Calibri are missing, corrupted, or installed only for a specific user, the spooler cannot access them, resulting in a log file instead of a PDF.
Download the standard Segoe UI and Calibri font files (.ttf) from a trusted source, or copy them from the 'C:\Windows\Fonts' folder of another working Windows computer.
Right-click the copied font files and select 'Install for all users' from the context menu to ensure system-level services can access them.
Restart Windows to fully apply the font registry changes across all applications and services.
Open Microsoft Outlook and print the email using the Adobe PDF printer again to confirm the issue is resolved.
Use Acrobat's Built-in Conversion Tool
Bypass the Adobe PDF virtual printer entirely by using the direct PDF conversion add-in within Outlook.
Update Software and Modify Printer Settings
Ensure software compatibility and force Acrobat to handle font embedding differently by ignoring system fonts.
Avoid Printer Plugin Errors with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with virtual printer errors, missing fonts, and generating log files instead of documents? WPS Office offers a complete, lightweight office suite with built-in, native PDF creation. Create, convert, and edit PDFs without needing third-party printer drivers or complex troubleshooting.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your text document, spreadsheet, or presentation.
- 2. Select Export to PDF: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Save the file: Adjust your export settings if needed and click 'Export' to instantly create a flawless PDF without printer errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Adobe PDF printer create a log file instead of a PDF?
This usually happens when a font used in the source document (such as Segoe UI or Calibri in Outlook emails) is missing, corrupt, or inaccessible to the Windows print spooler. Instead of creating the PDF, the printer aborts the process and generates an 'invalidfont' error log file.
How can I fix the 'invalidfont' error when printing to PDF?
You can fix this error by reinstalling the missing fonts specifically for 'all users' on your computer. Alternatively, you can bypass the error by unchecking the 'Rely on system fonts only' option in the Adobe PDF printer preferences.
Can I convert Outlook emails to PDF without using the Adobe PDF printer?
Yes. If you have Adobe Acrobat installed, you can use the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in. Simply click the Acrobat tab in the Outlook ribbon and select 'Create New PDF', which converts the email directly and bypasses the virtual printer and print spooler entirely.
