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Font Handling

Text can be stored in PostScript and PDF files in three different ways. The following table outlines how it will be stored in the various vector graphics output formats supported by PDF FLY:

Text in original PostScript/PDF file Text in output as:

character text (ASCII)   Characters, with fonts if available or mapped (default)  
     Curves (option)

Vector text (plotted)   Curves

Image text    Images

For text to be recognized (e.g. editable, selectable, searchable) in the output file, it needs to be contained in the PostScript/PDF source file as text. This depends on what the source application generates and/or the printer driver settings. This section offers some general tips and explanations for how to handle fonts when using our software.
  • Standard PostScript fonts are generally not embedded in PostScript/PDF files and do not need to be. Both PS printers and PDF FLY software support them natively. Examples of PostScript fonts are Times Roman, Courier and Helvetica.
  • Type 1 and TrueType fonts should be embedded in the PostScript/PDF source file, rather than being referenced, substituted or outlined. 
  • If you cannot embed fonts, try to make sure that your files use fonts that are available on the system, so the application or printer driver can reference them.
  • Fonts with non-standard character encodings should be avoided.
  • Note that some applications, for example several CAD and EDA systems, will always represent text as vectors in the output, to ensure reliable WYSIWYG rendering.

    Font handling by PDF FLY

    PDF FLY supports PostScript fonts. Non-PostScript font names will be passed through to the output file as referenced fonts, which then rely on the target system for correct rendering. In cases where the font name in the source file does not match another known font, custom font mappings can be added via the user interface or by Visual Integrity engineers.

    Another option is to emulate (render as curves) text for specified fonts.

    If you have any questions regarding font handling or need help with any part of the above process, please contact support@visual-integrity.com