How to Fix Embedded Font and Link Issues When Creating PDFs from Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to convert a Word document to a PDF on macOS while retaining custom fonts (e.g., Libre Baskerville) and active hyperlinks.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Exporting or printing a Word document containing custom fonts and hyperlinks to a PDF format on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Saving or using the 'Print to PDF' feature either strips the hyperlinks or substitutes the custom font, even when font embedding is enabled in the document settings.
Verify that your custom font is properly installed in the Mac Font Book and that its licensing permissions allow for embedding. Additionally, ensure you are not using basic online converters, as they often substitute unrecognized fonts.
Use the Built-in 'Save As' or Export PDF Feature in Word
Avoid the macOS native 'Print to PDF' option, which inherently flattens the file and removes hyperlinks. Use Word's dedicated export tools instead.
The native 'Print to PDF' engine on Mac is designed for physical printing preparation, which strips out interactive document features like hyperlinks. Using Microsoft Word's own 'Save As' or 'Export' dialogs forces the application to process links and fonts using its internal engine, preserving them in the final output.
Open your document in Microsoft Word for Mac. Navigate to the top menu bar and click 'File', then select 'Save As'.
In the 'File Format' dropdown menu, choose 'PDF'.
Select the radio button for 'Best for electronic distribution and accessibility (uses Microsoft online service)'. This specific setting ensures that hyperlinks remain clickable and licensed fonts are properly embedded.
Click 'Export' to save your new PDF. Open the PDF in a viewer to verify that the links work and the fonts are preserved.
Use Adobe Acrobat PDFMaker Workflow
If you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your Mac, use the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in to guarantee high-fidelity conversion with embedded fonts.
Export Flawless PDFs with Intact Links and Fonts using WPS Office
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to struggle with PDF exports, try WPS Office. As a lightweight, highly compatible alternative, WPS Office features a powerful native PDF exporter that flawlessly embeds custom fonts and preserves active hyperlinks without requiring complex settings or paid add-ins.
- 1. Open Your Document in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office for Mac and open your existing Word document containing the custom fonts and links.
- 2. Access the PDF Exporter: Click on 'Menu' or navigate to the 'Tools' tab, and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Export with Full Fidelity: Ensure the export settings are configured for standard quality, and click 'Export'. Your new PDF will maintain all original styling and clickable links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mac's 'Print to PDF' remove my hyperlinks?
The macOS 'Print to PDF' function processes the document through the operating system's print spooler. This engine flattens the document into a static image suitable for physical paper printing, which inherently removes all interactive elements like hyperlinks and bookmarks.
How do I check if my custom font allows embedding on a Mac?
Open the 'Font Book' application on your Mac. Select the custom font you are using, right-click, and select 'Show Font Info'. Review the 'Embedding' or 'License' section to see if the font creator has restricted the font from being embedded into PDFs.
Why did an online PDF converter change my document's font?
Most free online PDF converters do not have access to premium or custom desktop fonts like Libre Baskerville. When they process your document on their remote servers, they automatically substitute any missing fonts with a generic system font, resulting in layout and styling changes.
