How to Fix Missing or Garbled Characters When Combining PDFs
Question details
Users experience missing characters, white boxes, or scrambled text when merging multiple PDF documents.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Combining multiple PDF files into a single document for distribution or printing.
- Observed behavior
- Text characters appear as white squares, corrupted symbols, or change to incorrect fonts due to missing embedded fonts in the original files.
Check if you have access to the original source files (such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint documents) used to create the PDFs, as regenerating the files is often the most reliable way to fix font errors.
Regenerate the Original Documents with Fonts Embedded
The most reliable way to prevent missing characters is to ensure fonts are fully embedded during the initial PDF creation process.
When a PDF is created without embedded fonts, the PDF reader will attempt to substitute missing fonts with those installed on your local computer. If a suitable match isn't found, characters can appear as white boxes or garbled text.
Open the original document in its native application, such as Microsoft Word.
Navigate to the application's save settings. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Save, and check the box for 'Embed fonts in the file'.
Go to File > Save As or File > Export, choose PDF as the format, and save the new document. The fonts will now be embedded.
Use your PDF editor to merge these newly generated PDF files. The garbled text issue should now be resolved.
Embed the Missing Fonts Directly in a PDF Editor
If you cannot obtain new source files, you can attempt to embed the missing fonts using an advanced PDF editor, provided the required fonts are installed on your system.
Merge PDFs Securely with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a powerful built-in PDF editor that handles document merging flawlessly. It effectively preserves your source document formatting and embedded fonts, minimizing the risk of scrambled characters during the combination process.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office desktop application and click on the 'PDF' tab from the main workspace to access the PDF toolkit.
- 2. Select Merge PDF: Click on 'Merge PDF' from the top menu or the quick tools section to open the combination dialog window.
- 3. Add Your Files: Click 'Add Files' or drag and drop the PDF documents you want to combine into the window, arranging them in your preferred order.
- 4. Merge and Save: Click the 'Merge' button to combine the files securely while retaining the original text, embedded fonts, and formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do characters turn into white squares after I merge PDFs?
This happens because the original PDF files were saved without embedded fonts. When the files are merged, the PDF reader cannot find the original font data and replaces the missing characters with white boxes, squares, or corrupted symbols.
How can I check if fonts are embedded in my PDF?
You can check the font status by opening the PDF, accessing the document properties (usually File > Properties or Ctrl+D), and navigating to the 'Fonts' tab. It will list the fonts used in the document and indicate if they are 'Embedded' or 'Embedded Subset'.
Will embedding fonts increase my PDF file size?
Yes, embedding fonts includes the necessary font file data within the PDF itself, which slightly increases the overall document size. However, it is highly recommended as it ensures your text is displayed correctly on any device.
