How to Fix Character Encoding Errors in Accessible ArcGIS PDFs
Question details
The user needs to resolve character encoding errors flagged by PDF accessibility checkers in documents generated from ESRI ArcGIS.
- Product
- PDF / ESRI ArcGIS
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Running an accessibility check on a PDF document containing maps or graphics exported from ESRI ArcGIS.
- Observed behavior
- The accessibility checker reports character encoding errors due to missing embedded fonts, non-Unicode fonts, or incorrect glyph mappings.
Ensure you have access to the original ESRI ArcGIS source files or can contact the map creation team, as these encoding errors must primarily be resolved during the initial export phase.
Adjust ESRI ArcGIS PDF Export Settings
Fix the encoding issue at the source by ensuring all fonts are embedded and utilize Unicode formatting during the ArcGIS export process.
PDF/UA compliance requires Unicode fonts so that glyphs can be accurately interpreted by assistive technologies. If standard or non-Unicode fonts are used without embedding, the accessibility checker will report encoding errors.
Open the map project in ESRI ArcGIS and ensure that Unicode or OpenType fonts are applied to all map text and symbols.
Navigate to the export or share menu within ArcGIS to generate the PDF.
Locate the font settings within the export dialog and check the option to 'Embed All Fonts' or 'Embed subsetted fonts'.
Complete the export process directly through the software's native PDF export tool rather than using a 'Print to PDF' virtual printer, which typically strips out accessibility structures.
Identify Problematic Characters Using PAC
Use the PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC) to pinpoint the exact characters causing the encoding failure.
Preserve Tags When Combining PDFs
Merge compliant PDF files properly to avoid losing embedded fonts, structural tags, and reading orders.
Manage and Combine PDFs Securely with WPS Office
While source encoding errors must be fixed within the ArcGIS application, WPS Office provides robust PDF management tools to combine your compliant files securely without losing document structure, tags, or embedded fonts.
- 1. Open WPS Office PDF: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the PDF module from the main dashboard.
- 2. Select Merge PDF: Click on the 'Merge PDF' tool under the 'Edit' or 'Tools' tab.
- 3. Combine Compliant Files: Add your pre-checked, accessible ArcGIS PDF files and click 'Merge' to generate a unified document that retains the original embedded fonts and structural layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do character encoding errors occur in accessible PDFs?
These errors typically happen when a PDF is exported using standard or non-Unicode fonts, or when the fonts used in the document are not embedded during the creation process. Assistive technologies require embedded Unicode fonts to correctly map and read the document's characters.
Why shouldn't I use a virtual PDF printer to create accessible PDFs?
Virtual PDF printers (such as the 'Print to PDF' function) generate flattened files that are optimized strictly for physical printing. This process removes structural metadata, reading order tags, and formatting elements that are strictly required for PDF/UA accessibility compliance.
What does subsetting fonts mean during PDF export?
Font subsetting is a process where only the specific characters (glyphs) used within the document are embedded into the PDF file, rather than attaching the entire font family. This practice ensures exact text rendering and full accessibility compliance while keeping the overall file size manageable.
