I'm quite new to Inkscape, but enjoying it.

I am preparing an ad to email to a printer that requires embedded fonts and images in a PDF at 300dpi. Embedded image (photo)--no problem (under effects).

Re fonts: I understand there is no way to embed fonts in Inkscape, but I can select the text object and save it to path. I have had a problem with a white-on-black italic font. When I save object to path, the text turns to black (disappears). Also, my logo, designed in another Inkscape document, changes to an old color--I assume I will have to remake and re-import the logo.

I see that Cairo PDF option gives 'convert text to path" option, but many forum posts seem indicate problems with Cairo, so I am trying to stay away from it because this print company won't be able to work with me if there are any problems.

I will take my samples (one with text-save-to-path and one not) to a local printer to test. But can I assume if it works at that printer, it would work for another?

I've tried different ways to produce the PDF, with my latest being: export to bitmap (PNG) at 300 dpi, then save that doc as PDF. I would appreciate any feedback on that as well, as I have not prepared for printing before.

Thanks in advance for your help!

christique wrote:Re fonts: I understand there is no way to embed fonts in Inkscape, but I can select the text object and save it to path. I have had a problem with a white-on-black italic font. When I save object to path, the text turns to black (disappears).

Can you simply change the font back to white? You can go to View > Display Mode > Outline to see obscured objects.

christique wrote:Also, my logo, designed in another Inkscape document, changes to an old color--I assume I will have to remake and re-import the logo.

Objects have named properties. When you import an object that uses the same names as the document you are importing to the property is overwritten. I suspect this is why the colours are changing for you. I think this is fixed in the development builds of Inkscape if you wanted to try.

I see that Cairo PDF option gives 'convert text to path" option, but many forum posts seem indicate problems with Cairo, so I am trying to stay away from it because this print company won't be able to work with me if there are any problems.

How are you saving as PDF if you aren't using Cairo (which is what Inkscape uses for PDF creation)? Note that whilst Cairo might have problems converting some objects, you'll see those problems in the PDF--so if the PDF looks ok on your PC it should print ok also.

I will take my samples (one with text-save-to-path and one not) to a local printer to test. But can I assume if it works at that printer, it would work for another?

If their only requirement was PDF, then you should be ok. Even printing it on a desktop printer is a valid test.

I've tried different ways to produce the PDF, with my latest being: export to bitmap (PNG) at 300 dpi, then save that doc as PDF. I would appreciate any feedback on that as well, as I have not prepared for printing before.

This is also an acceptable option. Provided you've got the size and resolution correct, the resulting print would be identical to if the image in the PDF was vector.

I know how painful preparing something for professional print can be. Good luck.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply--I will take a look at it again and try your suggestions. Mainly, it is reassuring to know that what I'm seeing on the PDF is what the outcome will be in print. I thought I had read that PDF's could give trouble if the printer did not have the correct fonts installed and if the fonts were not embedded. It sounds like what you're saying is that if I am getting an acceptable looking print-out on my printer without changing text to path, then it should print okay at the printer's. That would be much easier for me!

Thanks again for your help.

christique wrote:if I am getting an acceptable looking print-out on my printer without changing text to path, then it should print okay at the printer's.

Sorry, when it comes to fonts you must convert text to paths. If you don't the PDF will be loading it from your PC and as you said, this becomes a problem if the printer doesn't have the exact same font installed.

Thanks again--I have saved all text as objects, resolved my color issues, etc. That should do it!