Export File Font issue

[Paul Bell]

I exported two PDF files from Publisher and on both of them there were issues with the way the font was embedded - it was the wrong weight. I can work around this by converting all text to curves before the PDF is exported, but is there any other way I can make sure I don't experience this issue - it's resulted in a project I sent to print needing to be re-done. Thanks.

[Oufti]

Hi @Paul Bell, welcome here! 

It would be helpful to have some more details, like apps and OS versions? which fonts are implied? and so on. 
Perhaps could you also post a sample document or a screenshot demonstrating the problem?

[Paul Bell]

Sure. MacOS 12.6.8 (21G725). Affinity Publisher 2.2.0. The font is Josefin Sans. I used a heavy weight, but the PDF came out with lighter weight unless I converted to curves. Two PDFs attached - one with fonts as curves, the other fonts embedded. The "As curves" one looks as it should/does in Publisher.

Arrows Cover Fonts Embedded.pdf Arrows Cover TEXT AS CURVES.pdf

[Hangman]

Hi @Paul Bell,

It sounds as though you may be using the variable font version of Josefin Sans. If that is the case this would explain the issue you're seeing as Affinity apps don't currently support variable fonts...

You would need to substitute the variable version of Josefin Sans for the static version.

[Paul Bell]

Ah thanks - I wasn't aware of that as an issue. How would I know which version of it I'm using?

[Hangman]

The variable version is shown in the file name, the static versions show the individual weights. If you uninstall the version you have currently installed and then install the static versions and re-export your file you should find it exports correctly.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks - you were right about this. Shame there's no warning or indication. It displays fine in the App itself, just not on the export. I can replace with the static version... Will variable font support be added, do you know?

[Hangman]

30 minutes ago, Paul Bell said:

Will variable font support be added, do you know?

There's been no official word on this as far as I'm aware but users also need to understand that the PDF file format itself doesn't support variable fonts either which means any software producing a PDF has to convert the variable font to a legacy format or generate each static instance prior to export.

Whether this functionality is on the radar for Affinity apps, I really have no idea I'm afraid.

38 minutes ago, Paul Bell said:

Shame there's no warning or indication. It displays fine in the App itself, just not on the export.

I think it would perhaps be helpful if the support (or the current lack thereof) for Variable Fonts was added as a question to the FAQ forum.