How to Fix PDF Replacing Embedded Word Fonts with Arial MT
Question details
When converting a Microsoft Word document to a PDF file, embedded custom fonts are unexpectedly substituted with the default Arial MT font.
- Product
- Acrobat X Pro
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting a Microsoft Word document with custom fonts into a PDF file format.
- Observed behavior
- The resulting PDF fails to preserve the custom fonts used in the original Word document, automatically replacing them with the Arial MT font.
Check the licensing terms of the custom fonts used in your document, as strict font licenses often automatically block PDF conversion tools from embedding them.
Verify Document Fonts and Check Licensing Restrictions
Check the Document Properties to confirm if your fonts are actually embedded, and verify if a licensing restriction is forcing the substitution.
PDF conversion tools adhere to the licensing rights set by font creators. If a font is not licensed for embedding, strict tools will refuse to embed it and will use a substitution font like Arial MT instead.
Open your converted PDF file and press the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl+D' to open the Document Properties dialog box.
Navigate to the 'Fonts' tab. Review the list of fonts used in the document. If you see Arial MT listed instead of your custom font, it confirms that the original font was substituted.
Return to your operating system's font folder, right-click the custom font file, and check its properties or licensing details to ensure it allows for document embedding.
Adjust PDFMaker and Printer Job Options
Modify your PDF conversion settings to use high-quality job options that force the software to embed available system fonts.
Convert Word to PDF with Fonts Intact using WPS Office
Avoid complex printer configurations and unwanted font substitutions by using WPS Office. Its native 'Export to PDF' feature seamlessly preserves your custom fonts and document layout without relying on third-party PDFMaker add-ins.
- 1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the Word document (.doc or .docx) that contains your custom fonts.
- 2. Select Export to PDF: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Export to PDF' from the drop-down list.
- 3. Confirm and Export: In the dialog box, verify your export range and settings, then click the 'Export to PDF' button to save your document with original fonts intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my converted PDF substitute my font with Arial MT?
Arial MT is a standard substitution font. When the PDF converter encounters a font it cannot embed—usually due to missing system files or strict licensing restrictions—it defaults to Arial MT to ensure the text remains readable.
How do I verify if a font is properly embedded in my PDF?
Open the PDF file, press 'Ctrl+D' to open the Document Properties window, and click on the 'Fonts' tab. Here, you will see a complete list of all fonts successfully embedded in the document.
Can I fix scrambled text when printing a PDF?
Yes, scrambled text often occurs when the PDF reader does not recognize a custom font used in headers, footers, or the body. Switching to standard, widely recognized fonts like Lucida Console or ensuring all fonts are fully embedded during the initial conversion process usually resolves this issue.
