Converting Text to Outlines – A Must for Press-Ready Files

Many times fonts can cause problems when files are sent to the press. This is why it is essential that you convert the text in your documents to outlines before sending us your files. Even if you are sending a PDF of a document you have created in a different program…make sure to outline the text in that program before saving it as a PDF.  The reason that fonts need to be outlined is because if you have used a font that we don’t have, the document will not print correctly.

How to Convert Text to Outlines in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign*

Select/select all (it is okay if both graphics and text are highlighted)

Go to Type > Create Outlines

(Above) Top: No Outlines, Bottom: Outlines

How to Convert Text to Outlines in Microsoft Publisher*

Page Setup > Printer > Paper Tab

Select your PDF Printer

Properties > uncheck “Do not send fonts to “Adobe PDF”

*Before converting your text to outlines, make sure to do a save as (ex. ABC – outlines). You want to do a save as because once you convert the text to outlines and save the document, you will not be able to edit it. Therefore keep the original file in case you need to make changes to it in the future.

How can you check to see if you have successfully outlines your fonts?

If you open the PDF and can highlight the text as you would in any text editing program, the fonts have not been outlines.