How to Embed Fonts When Exporting in CorelDRAW

Embedding fonts in CorelDRAW ensures that your typography displays and prints accurately across different computers without missing font errors or unwanted substitutions. This guide covers how to embed fonts when exporting files to PDF, addresses font licensing limitations, and explains the alternative method of converting text to curves for universal compatibility.

Embedding Fonts in PDF Export

The most common and effective way to embed fonts in CorelDRAW is through the PDF export workflow:

  1. Click File in the top menu and select Publish to PDF (or File > Export and choose PDF as the file type).
  2. Choose your export destination and click the Settings button in the lower-right corner of the dialog box.
  3. In the PDF Settings window, navigate to the Objects tab.
  4. Locate the Fonts section and check the box labeled Embed fonts in document.
  5. Ensure the Subset fonts checkbox is either unchecked (to embed the entire font library) or set to a low percentage threshold if you wish to reduce file size while embedding only the characters used in your document.
  6. Click OK, then click Save to generate your PDF with embedded fonts.

Dealing with Font Licensing Restrictions

Some proprietary fonts contain digital rights management (DRM) flags that prevent them from being legally embedded into exported files. When CorelDRAW encounters a restricted font, it may notify you or automatically substitute the font upon opening the file on another machine.

To overcome this issue during PDF export:

  1. Return to File > Publish to PDF > Settings.
  2. Under the Objects tab, select Export all text as curves.
  3. This vectorizes the text automatically during export, preserving the visual appearance of the font without requiring font embedding permissions.

Converting Text to Curves for Other Formats (EPS, SVG, AI)

If you are exporting to vector formats like EPS, SVG, or Adobe Illustrator, font embedding may not be supported directly by the format exporter. In these cases, converting text to curves manually is the standard industry practice:

  1. Select the text elements you want to lock in place (press Ctrl + A to select all, or click individual text frames).
  2. Go to Object in the top menu and select Convert to Curves, or press the shortcut Ctrl + Q.
  3. With your text converted into vector paths, proceed with File > Export and select your desired file format.

Note: Always save a backup copy of your design in native CDR format before converting text to curves, as this process makes the text non-editable.