Font considerations

Written by: Nathalie Everaert

When you submit artwork for printing, the fonts included in your file must be handled correctly to ensure your job prints exactly as expected. Because there are thousands of fonts available, we may not always have the exact font used in your design.

The steps below will help prevent font substitutions, missing fonts, or print errors.

Why Fonts Matter

If we do not have the font you used, the printed text may not match your design.
Sending fonts (or converting text to outlines/curves) ensures your layout stays exactly as intended.
Both PostScript and TrueType fonts work correctly on our system.

Sending Your Fonts

Mac Users

Fonts are stored in the Fonts folder under the Library.
Send only the fonts used in your artwork — do not send your entire font library.
Include all styles used (Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold Italic, Condensed).
Fonts are removed from our system after your job is completed.

PC Users

Fonts may be found under Font Settings in the Control Panel.
Copy only the fonts used in your file and paste them temporarily to your desktop before sending.
Include all styles used (Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold Italic, Condensed).
Do not send your full font library.

How to Send Font Files

Files under 2MB can be uploaded at checkout or emailed to artwork@smartresolution.com
For smaller files, you may also compress them with WinZip or StuffIt
Files over 10MB must be mailed on a CD to:


Smart Resolution 
PO Box 4668  PMB 83245  
New York, NY 10163-4668

Please note: Mailing files will delay your order.

Software-Specific Instructions

To avoid font issues, follow the appropriate steps for the software you used:

Software	File Type	Instructions
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Select All → Type → Create Outlines
CorelDraw	.cdr	Convert all text to Curves
Microsoft Publisher	.pub	File → Pack & Go for Commercial Printer
Microsoft Word	.doc	Tools → Options → Save → Embed TrueType Fonts

Special Notes for PageMaker Users

Do not use the Style Palette to make text bold, italic, outlined, or shadowed.
Always use the actual font style (Bold, Italic, etc.) instead of applying effects.
Shadow, Outline, or similar styles will not output correctly on our printing equipment.
Desktop printers may hide these issues, but image setters will not.

We cannot take responsibility for print errors caused by using style effects instead of real font styles.

Special Notes for Large Black Areas

For backgrounds, shapes, or large filled areas:

Use Built Black:
75% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow, 100% Black

For text and small type:

Do NOT use rich black or built black.
Using rich black in fonts makes them appear blurry or soft when printed.