Why MacOS and iOS Preview changes my PDF font?

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Why MacOS and iOS Preview changes my PDF font?

I created a PDF starting from a Microsoft Word file on my Windows pc.

Then, I uploaded both the .docx and .pdf file on my iCloud.

When I open the PDF file on my Apple devices (both Macbook and iPhone), I see that the font is different. Formatting is still ok, and also page layout, but the font is different (and quite ugly).

If I try to open the .docx file, I have no issues. I also tried to create a new PDF directly from my Macbook, and I can do, but the end result is a much larger file (35 MB instead of 11 MB)... and I don't know why.

Did anyone have the same issue?

Thanks and best regards

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.2

Posted on Apr 5, 2024 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Community+ 2026

Level 9

69,420 points

Apr 5, 2024 7:36 AM in response to Baozi64

Sounds like the font that you are using on the Window machine is not available on the Mac. This can also happen in reverse order when a font available on your Mac is not included with Windows. Some apps allow you to include the font with the pdf to make it available on the other device. Doing this also increases the file size of the pdf as some fonts are quite large. More information on embedding fonts is included here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/benefits-of-embedding-custom-fonts-cb3982aa-ea76-4323-b008-86670f222dbc#OfficeVersion=Windows

The other option is to use a font that is available on both devices.

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Answer 2

Baozi64 Author

Level 1

13 points

Apr 12, 2024 10:49 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thank you, I checked it and I found that the pdf printer did not include the fonts. I forced their inclusion and it worked.

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Why MacOS and iOS Preview changes my PDF font?

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