Expert: Amy - 3/21/2006

Question
I'm using Illustrator 9.0.  I've created a brochure.  I'm converting it to PDF per request of my client for printing.  I'm using the Arial font at 10 pt.  Before saving as PDF I select the text and create outlines.  Everything looks fine at this point.  However, after I save as PDF and check the document in Acrobat, I'm noticing that some of the text (seems to be mostly the "L's", both upper and lower case) have issues.  Mostly they look like they've been cut in half or are not totally lined up.  I've never had this happen before, not sure if I'm doing something, or if this is a known quirk...

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jason.

Known quirk.  Fat L Syndrome. They're fine.  Zoom all the way in and take a look. Actually, if you can print to a postscript printer you'll see they are fine. Sometimes they do print fat on an inkjet.

Experts might advise you not to convert to outlines anyway because "that's what font embedding is for!!!" There is actually a flaw in the way fonts are outlined that makes them slightly fatter than if they were kept as fonts. If you are really picky about output... keep the fonts as fonts when you go to print. The difference is only visible through a lupe, really.

You might just consider embedding the font for your client - he'll question the fat L's.  All my clients do. For some clients, I have to eliminate all distractions, if you know what I mean!?!?

-Amy