You spent time picking the perfect fonts — so it’s frustrating when your PDF replaces them or distorts your layout after you hit save.
This usually happens when fonts aren’t embedded correctly. Without that step, your PDF may not look the same on other devices or apps.
With Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, you can clean up formatting issues fast and make sure your custom fonts display exactly as intended.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to add your fonts properly — no design software or extra steps needed.
Why Embedding Fonts Matters
When fonts aren’t embedded, your PDF may display incorrectly when opened on devices that don’t have those fonts installed. This can ruin the layout, make the text unreadable, and leave a poor impression on your audience.
Embedding fonts:
- Preserves your document's design.
- Ensures readability and consistency.
- Makes your PDF look professional on all devices.
With our easy-to-use tools, you can resolve these issues in minutes.
Steps to Add Custom Fonts to a PDF Using Smallpdf
1. Ensure the Font Is Installed on Your System
The first step is making sure the custom font you want to use is installed on your computer.
- On Windows: Right-click on the font file and select “Install.”
- On macOS: Double-click the font file, then click “Install Font” in the Font Book app.
Pro Tip: Some fonts have licensing restrictions that may prevent them from being embedded. To check if a font can be embedded, right-click the font file, select “Properties,” and look under the “Details” tab.
2. Open Your PDF in Smallpdf's Edit PDF Tool
Next, head to Smallpdf to start editing your PDF: 1. Go to our Edit PDF. 2. Upload your file by dragging it into the designated upload box or selecting it from your device.
3. Add or Edit Text Using Your Custom Font
Now it’s time to apply your custom font: 1. Click the Add Text button within the editor. 2. Click anywhere on the PDF where you want to add new content. 3. Type your desired text. 4. Use the text formatting toolbar to select your custom font from the dropdown list.
Add or Edit Text Using Your Custom Font
Troubleshooting Tip: If your custom font doesn’t show up in the list, ensure it is installed correctly on your system and refresh the browser page.
4. Save and Download Your PDF
Once you’re happy with the edits: 1. Click on the Download button to save your updated PDF. 2. Congratulations! Your custom fonts are now embedded, and the document is ready to share or print with zero errors.
Additional Tips for Working with Custom Fonts
While embedding fonts is straightforward, here are a few extra tips to ensure your PDFs look their best:
- Check Font Embedding: Open your saved PDF in a viewer that displays font properties (like Adobe Acrobat). Look for terms like “Embedded” or “Embedded Subset” in the font info.
- Avoid Restricted Fonts: Some fonts, particularly free ones, have restrictions on embedding due to licensing. Always check the font license to avoid issues.
- Stick to Standard Fonts for Simplicity: Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica are widely supported and rarely cause embedding problems.
Why Use Smallpdf for Editing PDFs?
Smallpdf is your go-to platform for quick, easy, and reliable PDF solutions. With over 20 tools tailored for editing, converting, and managing PDFs, we help you simplify your workflow. From embedding custom fonts to merging multiple files, we’ve got you covered.
Our PDF editor allows:
- Adding text with custom fonts.
- Editing existing text in documents.
- Annotating PDFs with shapes, highlights, and drawings.
- Saving files directly to cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
FAQs
How do you edit a PDF with your own font?
To edit a PDF with a custom font, first install the font on your computer. Then, use the Smallpdf Edit PDF tool to upload your file and select your custom font from the formatting toolbar.
How do I add a font to a PDF editor?
Install the font on your device, refresh your browser, and open your document in the Smallpdf Edit PDF. Your installed font will appear in the font dropdown menu.
Can you change the font when editing a PDF?
Yes! Smallpdf allows you to choose from a wide range of fonts, including custom ones, when adding or editing text in your PDF.
How do you add custom text to a PDF?
Simply open the PDF in our Edit PDF, click “Add Text,” and start typing! Customize the text style, size, and font using the toolbar.
