---
type: faq
title: "What should I do if fonts in my PDF don't appear correctly when printed?"
description: "Fonts that are not embedded in a PDF can swap to generic substitutes, so embed them or outline text and check the proof; ask your printer if a print differs."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-should-i-do-if-fonts-in-my-pdf-don-t-appear-correctly-when-printed
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-should-i-do-if-fonts-in-my-pdf-don-t-appear-correctly-when-printed
    title: "What should I do if fonts in my PDF don't appear correctly when printed?"
status: stable
---

# What should I do if fonts in my PDF don't appear correctly when printed?

When PDFs are processed for printing, custom fonts can default to generic substitutes if they are not properly embedded in the file. Embedding your fonts before you upload is the reliable way to prevent this. Embed the fonts: save or export your PDF with fonts embedded so they travel with the file. Outline as a backup: converting text to outlines or curves removes font dependence entirely for logos and headlines. Check the proof: review your online proof carefully and confirm every font renders as intended before final production. If a printing error occurs because a font was substituted, share samples showing the difference between your proof and the printed output with your printer so it can be resolved.

Fonts that are not embedded in a PDF can swap to generic substitutes, so embed them or outline text and check the proof; ask your printer if a print differs.

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