Fix Missing Fonts in PDF Generated by Report Builder
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Adobe Acrobat reports missing fonts in a PDF generated by Report Builder, even though the fonts are already locally installed.
- Product
- Report Builder / Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a PDF generated via Report Builder and encountering font substitution warnings.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat reports missing fonts and replaces them with substitutes because the installed system fonts were not automatically embedded into the generated PDF.
Verify that the specific fonts used in your report are actually installed on the machine generating the PDF, and ensure that your font licenses permit embedding.
Embed Fonts During PDF Export in Report Builder
The most effective method is to ensure Report Builder embeds the fonts natively during the PDF generation process.
By default, Report Builder does not always embed system fonts. You must ensure you are using supported font types and that the server settings allow embedding.
Open your report project in Report Builder. Check the font properties used in your text boxes to ensure they are TrueType fonts, as only TrueType fonts can be embedded.
If you are running SSRS, open the report server configuration file (rsreportserver.config) and ensure the device information settings for the PDF rendering extension do not explicitly disable font embedding.
Run the report and export it to PDF again. Assuming the fonts are TrueType and the licenses allow it, the fonts will now be embedded within the document.
Embed Fonts Post-Creation Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
If you cannot change the export settings in Report Builder, use Adobe Acrobat Pro's Preflight tool to embed fonts into the existing PDF.
View and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Handling complex PDF exports from Microsoft reporting tools can be tricky. WPS Office offers a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor that ensures high compatibility with standard PDF formats.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the WPS Office official website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen setup guide.
- 3. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open your document to view it with accurate formatting and clear text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a PDF substitute fonts even if they are installed on my computer?
When a PDF viewer opens a file, it relies on the fonts embedded within the document itself to display it exactly as intended. If a font is not embedded during creation, the viewer will substitute it with a default system font, regardless of whether the original font happens to be installed locally.
What types of fonts can be embedded in Report Builder PDFs?
Report Builder typically supports embedding TrueType fonts. You must ensure your report text boxes use TrueType fonts if you want them to be successfully embedded during the PDF export process.
Can I force font embedding if the font license restricts it?
No. Font files contain embedding permissions set by the font designer. If a font is marked as restricted or non-embeddable, PDF creation tools (including Report Builder and Adobe Acrobat) will honor that restriction and fail to embed the font.
