Before You Upload to Barnes & Noble - How to Embed PDF Fonts The Right Way

Question:

How can I embed fonts in a PDF so they are formatted for publishing on Barnes and Noble?

Answer: 

Embedding fonts correctly in a PDF is crucial for publishing on platforms like Barnes & Noble Press, because it ensures your book looks exactly the way you designed it, regardless of the reader’s device. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

---

1. Why Embed Fonts

When a font is not embedded, the PDF relies on the reader’s system to substitute fonts. This can lead to:

• Layout shifts

• Broken characters

• Misaligned text

• A less professional look

Barnes & Noble requires that all fonts used in your PDF are embedded for eBooks or print books.

---

2. How to Embed Fonts in PDF

A. Using Microsoft Word

1. Go to File → Options → Save.

2. Under Preserve fidelity when sharing this document:

   • Check “Embed fonts in the file”.

   • Optionally check “Embed only the characters used in the document” for smaller file size.

   • Leave “Do not embed common system fonts” unchecked if you want maximum fidelity.

3. Save your document as a PDF: File → Save As → PDF.

4. In the Options dialog, ensure “ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)” is checked if available (this helps with font embedding).

---

B. Using Adobe InDesign

1. Go to File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print).

2. In the Export Adobe PDF dialog:

   • Go to Advanced → Fonts.

   • Make sure all fonts are listed and set to “Embed”.

3. Export your PDF.

InDesign is preferred for professional publishing because it gives precise control over embedding and layout.

---

C. Using Adobe Acrobat

If you already have a PDF and need to embed fonts:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

2. Go to File → Properties → Fonts to check which fonts are embedded.

3. To embed fonts:

   • Go to File → Print → Adobe PDF (printer) → Properties → Adobe PDF Settings.

   • Check “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts” is unchecked.

   • Under Fonts, select the fonts you want to embed.

---

D. Using Free Tools (like LibreOffice)

1. Go to File → Export As → PDF.

2. In the PDF options, check “Embed standard fonts”.

3. Export.

---

3. Best Practices for Barnes & Noble Press

• Use common, licensed fonts (avoid obscure or custom fonts unless you have embedding rights).

• Make sure PDFs are PDF/X-1a or PDF/A compliant for maximum compatibility.

• Always preview the PDF in multiple devices before uploading.

• For print books, check Margins and Bleeds—embedded fonts prevent unwanted text shifts.

---