PDF objects reinterpreted: fonts outlined: WHY

[JimBDuncan]

I was asked to convert a PDF to Illustrator CS6. When I opened the PDF, or placed it, in Illustrator CC, I got the warning, "PDF objects reinterpreted: fonts outlined." I know this happens when fonts aren't installed, but I checked the PDF's properties and all the fonts in it are on my system. It gets worse-- in the Illustrator file there are lines of editable text, then outlined, then editable, all the same font. What's going on?

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[Test Screen Name]

Illustrator is NOT A GENERAL PDF EDITOR. It can import many PDF files, some very well, some very badly. The message you get is entirely normal when Illustrator knows it cannot do a good job. Nothing is wrong except expectations.

So, to convert this file you may have to do major recreation.

[Barbara Ash]

If the PDF was created from Illustrator, and Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities was turned on when the PDF was created, and the PDF was created with the same version of Illustrator as you are using, and the fonts were not subset, there shouldn't be an issue.

However. Illustrator is not a PDF interpreter, and I don't believe that Adobe supports it as such. Even though PDFs can be opened in Illustrator the message you received is a common issue.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

JimBDuncan  schrieb

I was asked to convert a PDF to Illustrator CS6. When I opened the PDF, or placed it, in Illustrator CC, I got the warning, "PDF objects reinterpreted: fonts outlined." I know this happens when fonts aren't installed,

No, this doesn't happen when fonts are embedded or installed.

This usually happens when Ligatures have been used in the PDF. You can't prevent it when opening the PDF.

And what Test Screen Name and Barbara Ash said.

[JimBDuncan]

Thank you all for your answers. The request was made by one of our partners. I sent them a copy of my forum question to them, and now I'll forward your answers, as well. I knew that Illustrator was not intended to edit PDFs, but expert knowledge is more impressive than mine, and it shows I took some initiative to complete their request. Also, Ligatures is new information, so thanks schrieb.

[Daejon5C7C]

Save the file as a Jpg, then open it in illustrator 

[Monika Gause]

Save the file as a Jpg, then open it in illustrator 

By @Daejon5C7C

Which problem do you want to solve with that?

[Fernando30233234x142]

I know this is from a long time ago but this is a better solution than what I can give you, there is a program inside called PDF24 Toolbox open > CONVERT PDF TO OTHER FILE FORMATS > the format that worked for me is > PDF/A- 3 the text is not editable but it is much better than a JPG

Regards!