The four results
- Embedded — the complete font program is inside the PDF.
- Embedded subset — only the characters you used are embedded. The name starts with a six-letter tag such as
ABCDEF+. This is normal and fine for printing. - Not embedded — the PDF only names the font. The printer substitutes its own, which can change spacing or characters.
- Unable to inspect — the font data is missing or damaged, so we cannot tell. It is never counted as embedded.
Fonts are read from every page and from reusable objects placed on pages (form XObjects). Type 3 fonts are drawn from instructions inside the PDF and count as embedded, but are flagged for review because they often come from older software as bitmap glyphs.
What it does not check
Whether each font contains every character you typed, minimum text size, and font licences.
FAQ
- How do I embed fonts?
- In most design and office software, choose a print or press PDF export preset (for example PDF/X), or tick an option such as 'embed all fonts'. Then check the new file again.
- Is a subset font a problem?
- No. Subsetting embeds only the characters used, which keeps the file small. Printers accept subset fonts.
- Why is a standard font like Helvetica not embedded?
- PDF viewers carry replacements for 14 standard fonts, so some software does not embed them. Many printers still ask for every font to be embedded.
- What if a font is listed as 'Unable to inspect'?
- Its data could not be read, so we do not know whether it is embedded. Re-export the PDF and check again.