How to Fix the Invalid CID To GID Map Entry in Type 2 CID Fonts | PAC 2024
Digital document accessibility is more critical than ever, especially for ensuring PDFs meet standards like WCAG and Section 508. Many professionals encounter a recurring technical issue: the “Invalid CID to GID map entry in Type 2 CID font” error in the PAC 2024 tool. This article shows you a reliable method to fix it.
Video Guide
Understanding the Error
This error arises from font encoding problems in PDFs. CID (Character Identifier) and GID (Glyph Identifier) map how fonts appear. When mismatches or improper mappings occur, accessibility checkers like the PAC 2024 tool flag the document as non-compliant.
Common but Ineffective Fixes:
- Replacing bullet characters
- Changing fonts
- Reformatting text
These methods rarely solve the root CID to GID mapping issue.
Fixing the Error Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
1. Open the Print Production Tool
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, and go to:
Tools → Print Production → Preflight
2. Access the Preflight Profile
Click the wrench icon in the Acrobat Pro DC 2015 profile dropdown.
3. Search for the Font Fix
Type “Font” in the Preflight search bar to locate relevant options.
4. Apply the Font Conversion
Select:
Convert TrueType fonts to CID fonts
Click “Fix” to apply the conversion to your PDF.
5. Save the Updated Document
Save your PDF with a new name to preserve the changes.
6. Verify Compliance Again
Run the PAC 2024 tool to confirm that you’ve resolved the error.
Why This Fix Works
TrueType fonts use encodings that can conflict with assistive technologies. When you convert them to CID fonts, Adobe Acrobat restructures the font mapping system to be more accessible and compliant.
Benefits of Using CID Fonts
- Improves screen reader compatibility
- Enables better text extraction
- Enhances document structure tagging
- Ensures cross-platform consistency
Additional Tips
- Select the correct profile (Acrobat Pro DC 2015) to access the conversion fix.
- Test your PDF in multiple accessibility checkers.
- Keep a backup of your original document.
Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!
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