What does it mean to outline fonts?

Outlining fonts converts editable text into vector shapes. Once the letters are shapes instead of type, the file prints correctly even if the press does not have your exact typeface installed, which removes a common source of last-minute font problems.

• Guarantees your chosen typeface prints exactly as designed.
• Removes the need to package or embed the original font files.
• The tradeoff is that outlined text can no longer be edited or spell-checked.
• Always keep an editable master copy before outlining, in case you need wording changes.

Outlining is especially useful for logos and headline type where the exact letterforms matter.