Expert: Amy - 4/24/2009

Question
I'm using Illustrator CS3 for PC, and I've created a collage of logos, text and graphics.  All but 3 images are vector with all of the text converted to outlines.  The other 3 images are jpgs.

When I re-open the file now, Illustrator is looking for a font that I don't have on my system - and does not appear in the font list within Illustrator.  

I have two questions:

Is there an easy way to find the particular image that is causing the issue?  

Wouldn't a vector image eliminate the need for a particular font to be present?  In other words, if the text is now outlines, doesn't that mean that Illustrator doesn't see it as text anymore?


Answer
Hi Sandy,

Is there an easy way to find the particular image that is causing the issue?  

Not really, if they are linked. I take it that there are many, many vector images. Why don't you embed them, even if temporarily, and then you'll be able to use the Document Info window to select each one and see if fonts are used (use the flyout menu on the Document Info window and check 'Selection Only' and 'Fonts', then click on each EMBEDDED image). To embed them, click on each one and click on EMBED from the Control Bar. If the control bar's not displayed, you can turn it on using window > control bar.

You should do a clean up on the document once you have embedded the objects. Object > Path > Cleanup (you'll see an empty text path option.) That may get rid of the ghost font.

You should also do an UNHIDE and an UNLOCK and make sure there are no HIDDEN or LOCKED OBJECTS (although that should show up in the fonts used list. Also take a look at the Layers window and make sure all layers are visible.

That sort of answers the second question. Yes, if everything's been converted to outlines, there will be no fonts to recognize. BUT sometimes objects are locked or hidden and escape the convert to outline step. I have also had empty text paths escape the conversion when I convert piece by piece. User error.

Let me know if this helps you find the culprit.
-Amy