If we detect a Type 3 font in your file, we’ll automatically block it to protect your work.
Type 3 fonts are outdated and can cause serious printing problems. Even if the file looks fine on your screen, the printed result may look very different, with issues such as:
Pixelated letters and outlines
Unreadable text
Substituted letters or symbols
Text styles automatically changed
Missing parts of the text
Because of these risks, professional printers automatically block files that contain Type 3 fonts. To move forward with printing, you’ll need to fix the file first.
Why does this happen?
Since 2023, Adobe has been phasing out support for Type 3 fonts (and may eventually do the same for Type 1). These fonts are based on very old technology.
Unlike home printers, professional printing systems use advanced software that can’t interpret Type 3 fonts correctly. The result? Errors and blocked print jobs. That’s why it’s important to switch to a modern font type.
How to fix it?
The easiest solution is to replace the font with a modern version like:
OpenType (OTF)
TrueType (TTF)
Another option is to convert the text to outlines/shapes, which turns the text into artwork. This makes it safe to print, but keep in mind: it’s not recommended for projects like books, magazines, or catalogs, where editable, searchable text is important.
Avoid rasterizing the page. Rasterized text may look blurry, harder to read, and inconsistent with the rest of your design.
How to check if your file has a Type 3 font
If you’re not sure, there are tools that can show PDF properties and identify fonts. If you don’t have one, you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader (free):
Open your file
Try selecting or copying some text
If you can’t highlight it properly, it’s likely using a Type 3 font (or has already been converted to outlines)
In that case, we recommend replacing the font before submitting your file.