How to fix an un-licensed restricted font for printing pdf for AutoCAD

Autodesk Support

Oct 8, 2023

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to adjust windows font settings to accommodate a third-party restricted font when printing to PDF with AutoCAD: 
In some instances when opening a drawing in a PDF reader the following error is displayed: 

User-added image
"Cannot find or create the font '<Font>'. Some characters may not display or print correctly."

Within the <font>.ttf file properties, the Font Embeddibility is set to Restricted. 
User-added image

Note: Can happen with multiple different kinds of fonts. 
 

Environment:

Windows 

Causes:

Unlicensed fonts are not allowed to embed in documents distributed to users who do not own a license for that font. AutoCAD does not embed the font into the PDF file. Font should be listed as either Editable or Installable within the <C:\Windows\Fonts> window. 
 

Solution:

Within AutoCAD the following can be found regarding fonts: 

Capture fonts used in the drawing

"Embeds TrueType fonts in the PDF file so that they don't need to be available on the PDF viewer. If you do not select this option, the PDF viewer uses substitute fonts." 
Note: The following fonts are not embedded even if you select this option: 
  • Fonts that cannot be distributed because of legal restrictions, the determination of which is encoded in the font definition. 
  • Fonts that are not TrueType fonts. 
  • Vertical Asian Fonts.

Try one of the following to resolve the issue: 

  • Change font within drawing to reflect license fonts. 
  • Use TrueType fonts.
  • Uninstall legally restricted fonts and install a non-restricted version. 
    • Note: Most legally restricted fonts are from a third-party download outside the windows domain. 

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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