Removing an embedded font

Question

I'm trying to remove an embedded font from a Word document so I can upload the document to the Kindle Direct Publishing program. The KDP program keeps saying the font is still embedded, even though I've removed it in all the places. How can I ensure that this font has been removed from my Word document?

Moved from: Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Answer 1

All that should be required is to open the Word document, go to Word> Preferences — Save to clear the Embed Fonts... checkbox then Save the file. Create a new PDF from that file.

Answer 2

To ensure an embedded font is fully removed so Kindle Direct Publishing no longer detects it, remove the embedding setting in Word and, if needed, switch to a different font that is not embedded.

1. Open the document in Word.
2. Go to File > Options.
3. Select the Save tab.
4. At the bottom, under Preserve fidelity when sharing this document, clear the check box Embed fonts in the file.
5. Save the document, close Word completely, then reopen the document. When reopened, Word will substitute a different font for any previously embedded font.

If KDP still reports embedded fonts, change the problem font to a different one and re-save:

1. Select all content (Ctrl+A).
2. Apply a standard system font (for example, a common TrueType or OpenType font that is installed locally and not restricted from embedding).
3. Save, close, and reopen the document again.

If a specific font is non‑embeddable or has restricted embedding flags, Word may still carry font data. In that case, switching the entire document to a different font and saving after disabling Embed fonts in the file is the most reliable way to remove embedded font data.

If file size remains unusually large or KDP still flags embedded fonts, create a new blank Word document with embedding disabled, copy all text (but not any embedded objects) from the old document, paste it as unformatted text into the new document, reapply styles, and save.

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References:

• Benefits of embedding custom fonts
• Embedded Fonts
• Font redistribution FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Windows

Answer 3

Thank you for your help. I was able to remove the font that was preventing the upload of my manuscript, "The Hawks Are Not Dying' onto the Kindle Direct Publishing website.

Answer 4

Hi Richard Handley,

I understand you’re trying to remove an embedded font but KDP still detects it. Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, I need a few key details:

1. Which Windows version are you using?
   • Since Windows 7/8 are EOS, you can still try workarounds, but some behaviors may be limited.
2. Are you uploading DOCX or PDF to KDP?
3. Does KDP mention a specific font name?
4. After pressing Ctrl + A, do you see one font or multiple fonts in Word?

Looking forward to your update.

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