Embedding TrueType Fonts

If you create a document that you want to share with others, it is helpful for the other people to have the fonts you use within your document. If they don't have the fonts, then Word substitutes a similar font for the original fonts you used. The result may not be to your liking. One solution is to include the fonts with your document. You can automatically embed some types of fonts by following these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Word displays the Options dialog box.
2. Make sure the Save tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Ensure the Embed TrueType Fonts check box is selected.
4. If you will be using a small number of characters in a particular font, choose the Embed Characters In Use Only check box.
5. To save space in the document, choose the Do Not Embed Common System Fonts check box.
6. Click on OK.
7. Work with your documents as normal.

If you are using Word 2007 then you should follow these steps:

1. Click the Office button and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. At the left side of the dialog box click Save. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Make sure the Embed Fonts in the File check box is selected.
4. If you will be using a small number of characters in a particular font, choose the Embed Only the Characters Used in the Document check box.
5. To save space in the document, choose the Do Not Embed Common System Fonts check box.
6. Click on OK.
7. Work with your documents as normal.

You should realize that embedding fonts can increase the size of your document files. In fact, if you use a lot of fonts, it can increase the size drastically. In addition, not all fonts are "embeddable." Some fonts are protected by their creators against distribution by embedding. If you are curious about whether a particular font can be embedded, you can either contact the vendor or download a free Font Properties Extension Tool from Microsoft. You can download it at the following address:

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/TrueTypeProperty21.mspx

The tool updates Windows so it displays more information when you right-click on a font file and choose Properties. One of the pieces of information displayed is whether the font is protected or not. If it is protected, it cannot be embedded in a Word document.