Convert text to outlines in your PDF
Some printers ask for text as outlines so no font can go missing. We convert the letters to vector shapes. After that the text is no longer text: you cannot select, search or read it aloud. Keep your original.
The difference
Fonts can still go wrong at the printer
- A printer without your font shows other letters or refuses the file.
- Some printers explicitly ask for “text to outlines”.
- Converting by hand in a design program is slow for many files.
- You do not always have the original design file at hand.
Letters become shapes
- Every letter becomes a vector shape that looks exactly the same.
- The PDF no longer needs any font to display correctly.
- If it cannot be done, we tell you why before you spend credits.
- Multiple files at once: you get a ZIP back.
How it works
Upload your PDF
Drag your PDF or ZIP here or pick files. Multiple files at once is fine.
We check the fonts
We check that every font is stored in the PDF. If not, you see which file and why.
Download the result
The result is saved next to your original. One file gives a PDF, multiple files a ZIP.
What the tool does
Text as vector shapes, without the font.
Vector outlines
Letters are drawn as paths, in the same colour and position as before.
Checked beforehand
Fonts that are not in the PDF cannot be converted. You hear that up front, with the reason.
Original stays intact
The result is a new file. Your original is not changed.
PDF and ZIP
Upload single PDFs or ZIP archives, up to 200 files at once.
Use cases
Logos and artwork
Lock the letters of a logo so they never change.
Printer requirements
Meet a printer’s checklist that asks for outlined text.
Signs and large format
Send large-format files without font worries.
Many files at once
Convert a whole batch in one go.
Learn more about print-ready PDF
How to make a print-ready PDF: the complete guide
CMYK, fonts, bleed and PDF/X — everything a printer needs, explained step by step.
Read articleConvert a PDF to grayscale without Acrobat
Turn a colour PDF into clean black-and-white for cheaper, predictable printing.
Read articleCompress, rasterise and repair your PDFs
Shrink large files and fix problem PDFs before you send them to print.
Read articleFrequently asked questions
What do I lose?
The text is no longer text. You cannot select, search or copy it, and screen readers cannot read it. So keep your original and only send the converted file to the printer.
When does it not work?
When a font is not stored in the PDF, the letter shapes do not exist and we cannot convert them. Export the PDF again from your design program with “embed fonts” turned on. A few other cases are not supported yet, such as Asian fonts with special encodings. We tell you which file and why.
Do I still pay if it fails?
No. Files we cannot convert are skipped and do not use credits.
Does it use credits?
Yes, 1 credit per file that is converted. New accounts start with free credits so you can try.
Which files can I upload?
PDF files and ZIP archives containing PDFs. You can process up to 200 files at once, up to 300 pages per file.
Related print tools
Embed fonts
Embed all fonts so the printer renders the correct letters, not substitutes.
Open toolMake print-ready
All-in-one: prepares your PDF (bleed, sizing) and reports what your printer still needs (CMYK, fonts, PDF/X) for full press-readiness.
Open toolAdd bleed
Add bleed (and optional crop marks) so there are no white edges after trimming.
Open toolReady to convert your text?
Upload your PDF and download it with outlined text.