PDF Font Check

What is the PDF Font Checker?

The PDF font checker is a tool that detects whether fonts used in your documents are embedded or externally referenced. It is used for print-ready verification, font licensing, and cross-platform rendering checks. PdfMetric's PDF Font Check tool reports subset embedding information and performs missing font detection. This is critical for professional print preparation and document portability.

When PDF documents are opened on different systems, non-embedded fonts may be replaced with system fonts. This can cause text overflow, layout breaks, and unexpected print results. Print-ready verification checks that all fonts are embedded in the document. Missing font detection helps you catch these potential issues in advance. Font licensing also requires attention: embedding fonts not licensed for commercial use can lead to legal issues.

Subset embedding means only the characters used in the document are added to the font file. This both reduces file size and offers a more efficient solution than full font embedding. Cross-platform rendering checks help verify that the document will display the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

When Should You Use It?

• Pre-press check: Ensure all fonts are embedded before sending to print.
• Document sharing: Ensure shared documents display correctly for all recipients.
• PDF/A preparation: Check font compliance before archive format conversion.
• License audit: Review the license status of used fonts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Upload your PDF: Select the document you want to check.
2. Start font analysis: Click "Process" to run the font scan.
3. Review the report: Check embedded and referenced fonts, and any missing fonts.
4. Apply fixes if needed: Use a PDF editing tool to embed missing fonts.

Tip: Always run a font check before sending to print. Missing fonts cause serious problems in production.