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Embedded custom font issue in .PPT when sharing- stemming from Microsoft’s online distribution system

Anonymous
2024-11-18T13:46:44+00:00

Hoping for some help please!?:

I have a custom brand font which has successfully been embedded in my organisation's powerpoint template.

Ideally it needs to work across:

  • mac and PC,
  • desktop app and in browser,
  • on machines with or without fonts installed,
  • as part of our brand template as predefined text styles (i.e "Headings", "Body"),
  • when presentation is shared via copy link
  • when presentation is exported as pdf

The issue we are having is that embedded fonts are not displaying correctly in .PPT, when viewed on different machines (pc and mac, with and without fonts installed) the same file shows fonts differently and also shows font settings differently.

After many conversations with out type foundry they have tested, confirmed the font embed is successful, and stated that the issue is "stemming from Microsoft’s online distribution system" (email from foundry is pasted below).

I am aware that this may be asking a lot to cover all criteria, but it would be great to know what solutions and limitations there are for me so I can make a decision on our future actions.

If our custom font will not work, what font libraries (i.e adobe, google, microsoft) are safest and will cover our criteria?

I am running powerpoint version 16.90 on a 365 subscription

on mac Sonoma 14.3.1

Happy to answer any further questions to clarify the issue.

Thanks

James

"Hi James,I hope you’re doing well!Our font engineer has thoroughly tested and determined that the issue appears to stem from Microsoft’s online distribution system. Unfortunately, since we don’t have control over the performance of third party programs such as Microsoft online, we’re unable to offer a workaround in this case.Here’s what our engineer found on a local file during testing:

  • Embedding worked successfully when using the fonts in a regular PowerPoint presentation without predefined formats (e.g., no headings or subheads).
  • The fonts are embedded correctly in the test file you shared with us.
  • PDF embedding works well with the “Best for printing” setting.
  • PDF embedding doesn’t work with the “Best for electronic distribution” setting; it consistently defaults to Calibri, whether the font is installed or not."
Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For business | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-28T09:45:24+00:00

    Hey Ralph,

    Any updates since I provided you with the support files and info?

    Thanks

    James

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-28T09:44:07+00:00

    Thanks John,

    The insight is much appreciated, frustrating to hear that it could be a font problem.

    Essentially I need to come up with a solution.

    Do you you have a suggestion for a response to the foundry, something that gives me leverage in my questioning of their product?

    Failing that, in your experience, where am i best to look for a substitute font? would google and adobe libraries function in my scenario, or am i best to stick to microsoft system fonts?

    Many thanks

    James

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  3. John Korchok 232.4K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-11-19T23:51:23+00:00

    The foundry is giving you bafflegab, hoping you'll go away and leave them alone. The problem has nothing to do "Microsoft's online distribution system".

    It's difficult to create fonts that work equally well with Windows and Mac and that embed correctly. I work with many design houses to create templates, and this is a recurring problem with boutique and free fonts. On the other hand, the problem is rare with fonts from major foundries. The difference usually comes down to expertise and the ability to test in depth on both Windows and Mac, things that are not easy for individual typographers or small shops.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-19T16:06:52+00:00

    Hey Ralph,

    Thanks for your quick reply.

    to your points:

    1. yes the "embed all character" setting is activated
    2. font family is here https://earthshotprize.canto.global/b/JAPS2

    hope that helps

    James

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-18T20:43:06+00:00

    Dear James Booth TEP,

    Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

    We are sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with embedded custom font issue in .PPT when sharing- stemming from Microsoft’s online distribution system. I deeply understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it.

    We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial response may not resolve the problem immediately. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, for further troubleshooting, could you please provide the information below:

    1. Could you please confirm if you had the following feature enabled when you were performing the tests: In PowerPoint, go to File > Options > Save >Under Preserve fidelity when sharing this presentation , select Embed fonts in the file then choose Embed only the characters used in the presentation (best of reducing file size) or Embed all characters (best for editing by other people)
    2. Could you please send me the font family you were using so that I can research and check from my end? This will allow me to provide you with further details regarding your situation.

    Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. We appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

    Sincerely,

    Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator

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