Embedded Fonts in web documents

Embedded Fonts

What are web safe fonts?

Earlier versions provided a 'web safe' set of fonts that could be used on your website. These were a small selection of fonts that were common to most web browsers and so you could be confident would work for the majority of readers. These fonts are accessible from the Fonts menu below the subheading Web safe fonts

This limitation existed because most web browsers could only use the font on the computer with the browser. So if you used an unusual font, such as 'Addled', unless the computer your reader was using had the same font, they would see an entirely different font.

Can I use a non web safe font on my website?

The preferred method for small amounts of text that use different non-web-safe fonts is to turn the text into a graphic. Simply grouping the text will allow it to be exported as a graphic.

• Designer Pro - Non web safe fonts are embedded when exporting your website
• Web Designer Premium - Non web safe fonts are embedded when exporting your website
• Page & Layout Designer - Non web safe fonts are embedded when exporting your website
• Photo & Graphic Designer - Non web safe fonts are not embedded when exporting your website
• Web Designer - Non web safe fonts are not embedded when exporting your website

The current version removes the font restriction and allows you to use a much wider range of fonts, by using font embedding technology. This is compatible with the vast majority of modern web browsers (including IE5+ Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, Android and iOS mobile browsers), and works by embedding a special version of the font on your website. The web browser can then download this special font and display your text in the correct font.

Is it better to embed a font rather than convert the text to a graphic?

The main benefit of using embedded font, as opposed to turning text to graphics, is that it’s search engine friendly, i.e. search engines can see and index this text. Users can also select and copy this text, like any normal text in a web browser.

Are there any disadvantages to embedding fonts?

We would recommend embedding fonts is used sparingly within your website. Some fonts can be 200KBytes or more, and this has to be downloaded by the browser before it can display the text in the right font. So it’s easy to over-do this and badly affect your website performance.

Can all font types be embedded?

• Not all the fonts on your computer allow embedding of fonts on your website. If you use a font that doesn’t have the correct license, you will receive a warning when you publish your website. If you are using embedded fonts for presentation purposes on your own computer, then you can ignore this font license warning.
• OpenType fonts (OTF) can only be embedded when no postscript outline is present
• Type 1 fonts (T1) cannot be embedded.

What do the messages displayed when publishing or previewing mean?

One or more messages are shown when attempting to preview, export or publish your website with fonts embedded.

Case 1: The website contains a non websafe font.

Warning message:The following non standard fonts will be published with your website so that text using these fonts will appear correctly for those viewing it who don't have the font installed. Please ensure the font license allows embedding for websites. If in doubt please contact the software vendor.

Result: The font will be embedded within your website.

Case 2: The website contains an uninstalled font, a T1 font or a OTF font with postscript outlines.

Warning message:The following fonts are used by the document but are either not installed or are not in a format that allows them to be embedded in the website.

Result: The browser will not be able to find the font in question and will therefore display the text using the next font within the font family.

Case 3: The font does not permit embedding.

Warning message:The following fonts do not permit embedding in documents or websites. You should cancel and use a different font instead.

Result: Clicking on cancel will stop close the dialog and allow you to replace the font with another font. If you are using embedded fonts for presentation purposes on your own computer, then you can ignore this font license warning and click on Continue.