Code 0002: Font not embedded

Error: Font not embedded

Your Launch Lab Preflight Report PDF has returned the following error:

What is the problem?

When you choose a font for the text in your design, your software doesn't automatically store that font in your file. It is simpler and faster for the software to create a reference - similar to a link - to the fonts on your computer.

This is fine when you open the file on your own computer. However, when the file is opened on a different computer, the link to the font can break.

When that happens, the font is automatically replaced with a different one, ruining your design.

How do I fix it?

There are two methods:

• You can embed the font in your PDF, or
• You can outline your text so it becomes part of the design.

We recommend embedding fonts, as outlining fonts means your text can no longer be edited.

Embedding fonts

Adobe InDesign and Illustrator

• Click on the File menu, and choose Print
• Click Adobe PDF
• On the right of the Printer Name text box, click Properties.
• Click the tab Adobe PDF Settings
• Edit the Default Settings
• Click Fonts
• You will see an option called ‘Subset embedded fonts when percent of characters used is less than’. Set the percentage to 100%. (This ensures all the font characters are embedded, not just the ones used in your document.)
• Select the Embed all Fonts option
• Select the folder with the fonts you want to embed from the drop-down list
• Make sure the fonts you need to embed are in the Always Embed box
• Now export your PDF for print as usual.

Affinity Designer

When exporting a file to PDF for print, several different options are available for handling fonts used in the document. Select one of the following:

• Text as Curves: all text is converted to outlines.
• All Fonts: any fonts used in the document are embedded in the exported file.
• Uncommon Fonts: fonts used are only embedded in the exported file if they are unlikely to be installed on most devices. (Option not available when PDF/X compatibility is used.)

Outlining fonts

Adobe InDesign and Illustrator

If you are having issues with embedding fonts, outlining text can be used as an alternative, but the technique has some limitations in Illustrator and InDesign: the outlined text becomes part of your document, and can no longer be edited. (This limitation does not apply to Affinity Designer, which applies outlining only during exporting.)

• Select the text you want to convert
• Click Type > Create Outlines
• This will dissolve the text frame and convert the type to outlines
• Export your PDF for print as usual

Affinity Designer

Unlike Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Affinity Designer applies outlining during export, so the text in your original document is not affected. The warning above does not apply here.

When exporting a file to PDF for print, select the following setting:

• Text as Curves: all text is converted to outlines.
• Finish exporting your file to print as usual.

Further help

If this error code persists after you upload your modified document, please contact support@launchtabletop.com for assistance.