Handsf Single font TTF font doesnt display properly being PDFd from AutoCAD using "Dwg to PDF" driver or "Publish"

[DMahoney_BIA]

Im hoping someone may be able to help with this. The Structural Engineering firm I'm employed by is considering switching over to a TTF font for usage in AutoCAD & Revit in the New Year if an ideal replacement for our typical AutoCAD font was found with the centerline, plate symbols, etc... I was experimenting with this specific font as it has the unicoding for centerlines & plate symbols which our company between office uses frequently in AutoCAD. You'll see in the 1st image when I make a PDF from AutoCAD using the "Dwg to PDF" driver or "Publish" that the text appears to show a completely different font then what I'm expecting. The 2nd screenshot is what we'd expect to see in PDF form (2nd screenshot PDF'd using Bluebeam Driver). While I know the first solution someone will indicate is to make everyone use the Bluebeam PDF driver. Problem is I'm not sure if all of our offices use Bluebeam or not so I cant necessarily use that as a "solution". In a perfect world, our offices should be able to publish sets the same way as single sheet without any wonky font issues. Any help of any kind with this or even a explanation of why this is going on would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Damon

[TerryDotson · Accepted solution]

Keep in mind that some fonts are not freely distributable and (as such) may not be embedded inside the PDF file.  If you want consistency among all recipients of your PDF stick with TTF fonts that are included in windows.  While it may be tempting to include the TTF you could be in a copyright violation.   Function over style!

Note that some SHX based fonts become vectors in the PDF.  While you cannot search for text in the PDF you can maintain appearance and not worry about TTF copyrights and compatibility.

[Tomislav.Golubovic]

Just downloaded the font and printed it in 2025 using the "AutoCAD PDF (General Documentation).pc3 file and it looks ok on my end

[DMahoney_BIA]

Thanks for the input. I was wondering myself if it was related to a copyright issue causing the problem. Good to know. At this point, I was told to experiment & present the idea if a working solution was in place. Because of what you mentioned above, it likely wont result in a change for our company & we'll likely stick with our typical CAD fonts we've used for many years now.