Fix Adobe PDF Printer Distiller Font Error | Word to PDF

Font-related errors often prevent Word documents from converting properly to flattened PDFs using the Adobe PDF printer. These issues can disrupt workflows, especially when generating accessible content. Fortunately, adjusting a single setting in the Adobe PDF printer preferences resolves the problem effectively.

Video Guide

The Problem

When printing a Word document to PDF, a printer distiller font error may occur. This typically results in a failed PDF creation process, often accompanied by an error log opened in Notepad. The issue stems from the printer’s handling of document fonts.

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The Fix

To resolve this, modify the Adobe PDF printer settings to allow the use of embedded document fonts. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Devices and Printers
   Navigate to the Windows “Devices and Printers” panel from the Control Panel or Settings.
2. Access Adobe PDF Printer Preferences
   Right-click the “Adobe PDF” printer and select “Printing Preferences.”
3. Disable System Font Reliance
   Under the “Adobe PDF Settings” tab, uncheck the box labeled “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts.”
   This change ensures the printer uses the fonts embedded within the Word document rather than substituting them with system defaults.
4. Apply and Restart
   Click “OK” to save changes. Close and reopen Microsoft Word to ensure the new settings take effect.
5. Reprint the Document
   Open the Word document again, press Ctrl + P, choose “Adobe PDF” as the printer, rename the file if desired, and click “Print.” Save the output file to complete the process.

Verify the Solution

After disabling the system font restriction, the Adobe PDF printer correctly processes the document and produces a valid, flattened PDF. The resulting file preserves the intended fonts and formatting without triggering errors.

Importance for Accessibility

Accurate font rendering plays a vital role in document accessibility. Fonts influence layout, readability, and compatibility with assistive technologies. Incorrect font handling may distort formatting or create barriers for screen readers. Ensuring PDFs embed the correct fonts enhances usability and maintains compliance with accessibility standards.

Conclusion

Fixing the Adobe PDF printer’s font settings removes a common obstacle in PDF creation. By enabling the use of document-embedded fonts, the system avoids errors and generates accurate, accessible PDFs. This straightforward adjustment helps maintain both the visual fidelity and accessibility of digital documents.

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