Importing a PDF file doesn't allow for imbedded fonts

[Tom S]

I've tried to import a PDF file in Affinity Publisher and Photo. In both cases it wants to replace "missing fonts" which results in a trashed layout. If I use another .PDF program the documents loads properly and uses the fonts that are embedded in the file. There doesn't seem to be an option to simply use the fonts supplied in the file. If there is a way to use the original text I would be grateful to be informed how to do this. When putting together content from various sources this issue could be a huge headache.

[Hangman]

Hi @Tom S and welcome to the forums,

You need to have the fonts used in the PDF installed on your system for licensing reasons if you want to edit the PDF document. If you 'Place' the PDF file, rather than 'Open' it then the layout of the PDF will remain intact but without the fonts installed editing the content will be an issue unless you convert the text to a font you have installed.

If, when referring to another PDF program you mean a PDF reader then this is no different, if you copy the text from the PDF and paste it into another document or program, unless you have the font installed it will use the fallback font for the respective program.

There are many free fonts available online and at Google Fonts, so if you can find a free legitimate version of the font used in the PDF you could download and install it which would then allow you to edit the PDF in Publisher or alternatively, if you just want to extract the text you could export the PDF as a Word or Text file or simply copy and paste it to a degree and then use and format the text in Publisher.

I hope that helps.

[Tom S]

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the difference between editable content and "clipart". I get content from variable sources in .PDF format where I'm using the content "as is".

I simply dragged the file onto the page and wasn't intending to edit content. Thanks for clearing up the issue for me.

[lacerto]

Obsolete.

[Tom S]

While my original question about how to import (or "Place") a .PDF file intact from its origin has been answered to my satisfaction, I would point out that the initial purpose of .PDF files was to allow un-editable documents to be transmitted across platforms with imagery and formatting intact. Hence, my confusion with a default setting that assumes the document will be edited.

[lacerto]

Obsolete.

[walt.farrell]

7 hours ago, Tom S said:

Hence, my confusion with a default setting that assumes the document will be edited.

The default is Passthrough (won't be edited) for Place (except possibly as @lacerto mentioned).

But when you Open a PDF, the implication is that you want to edit it. Otherwise you'd have just used a PDF viewer.