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Common Text Problems

Text quality is critical for professional printed materials. Poor text rendering can ruin an otherwise perfect design.
Good news: Most text issues are easily fixable with correct export settings. Text should always be crisp and sharp in print.

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Problem 1: Blurry or Pixelated Text

Symptoms:
  • Text looks fuzzy or pixelated when zoomed in PDF
  • Jagged edges on letters
  • Loss of detail in small text
  • Poor quality when printed
Root cause: Text rasterized instead of kept as vector

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Understanding Vector vs Raster Text

What it is:
  • Text stored as mathematical outlines
  • Infinitely scalable
  • Always sharp at any zoom level
  • Small file size
In PDF:
  • Fonts embedded as vector data
  • Perfect quality at any resolution
  • Smooth curves and edges
Example:
Text "Hello" at 12pt
Vector: Perfect at 100% and 1000% zoom
File size: ~5 KB
This is what you want: Sharp, crisp, professional

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Solutions

In Figma before export:Check for issues:
  • Text with certain effects may rasterize
  • Heavily outlined text
  • Text with complex masks
  • Text converted to outlines manually
Keep text as text:
  • Use native Figma text layers
  • Avoid converting to outlines unless necessary
  • Minimize effects on text
  • Use separate layers instead of masks when possible
When to convert to outlines:
  • Only if font can’t be embedded
  • Custom lettering/logos
  • Special effects requiring it
Result: Text stays vector through export
In Printery:Check these settings:Export tab:
  • ✓ Embed fonts: Enabled (critical)
  • ✓ Subset fonts: Enabled (recommended)
  • DPI: 300 (for images, not text)
What “Embed fonts” does:
  • Includes font data in PDF
  • Text remains vector
  • Quality perfect
If disabled:
  • Fonts not embedded
  • Text may substitute
  • Or text rasterized (bad)
Always enable: Font embedding
Common confusion: DPI affects images, not vector textCorrect understanding:
  • Vector text: Resolution-independent (always perfect)
  • Rasterized text: Limited by DPI
If text looks bad:
  • Problem is NOT DPI setting
  • Problem is text was rasterized
  • Fix: Keep text as vector (see solutions above)
DPI only matters:
  • For images in your design
  • For rasterized effects
  • Not for normal text
Setting: Keep DPI at 300 for images
Some effects force rasterization:Effects that may cause issues:
  • Heavy layer blur on text
  • Complex blend modes
  • Multiple overlapping effects
  • Extreme transformations
Alternatives:Instead of blur on text:
  • Use separate background blur layer
  • Apply effect to shape behind text
  • Keep text layer clean
Instead of complex blending:
  • Simplify effect
  • Use solid colors where possible
  • Separate text from effect layers
Test: Export and check PDF after each effect added
Some fonts can’t be embedded (licensing):Symptoms:
  • Font embedding fails silently
  • Text substituted with default font
  • Or text rasterized to preserve appearance
Check font license:
  1. In Figma, select text
  2. Check font name in properties
  3. Research font license (Google font name + “embedding”)
Solutions:Option A: Use embeddable font
  • Google Fonts: All embeddable
  • Adobe Fonts: Most embeddable
  • Check license before using
Option B: Convert to outlines (last resort)
  • Right-click text → “Outline Stroke”
  • Text becomes vector shapes (still sharp)
  • But no longer editable as text
  • File size slightly larger
Option C: Contact font creator
  • Purchase commercial license
  • Get permission for embedding

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Problem 2: Small Text Not Readable

Symptoms:
  • Text under 6-8pt hard to read
  • Fine details lost
  • Letters blending together
Cause: Text too small for print medium or font choice

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Minimum Readable Sizes

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Solutions

1

Increase Text Size

Simple but effective:Minimum adjustments:
  • 6pt → 8pt (significant improvement)
  • 8pt → 9pt (better readability)
  • 10pt → 11pt (optimal for body text)
Adjust layout:
  • May need to reflow text
  • Increase text box size
  • Reduce other elements if needed
Priority: Readability > fitting everything
2

Change Font

To more readable option:Replace:
  • Decorative → Simple sans-serif
  • Light weight → Regular weight
  • Condensed → Normal width
Test: Print sample at actual size, read from 12-18” awayMaintain style: Choose readable font within brand guidelines
3

Increase Contrast

Make text stand out:Color combinations (best to worst):
  • Black on white: Maximum contrast ✓
  • Dark gray on white: Good ✓
  • White on black: Good (reverse type) ✓
  • Light gray on white: Poor ✗
  • Yellow on white: Very poor ✗
Fix:
  • Darken text color
  • Lighten background
  • Aim for high contrast
Check: Squint test - can you still read it?
4

Use Bold for Emphasis

Instead of size:If text must stay small:
  • Make important parts bold
  • Use medium/semibold weight
  • Don’t use light weights
Example:
Name: John Doe (bold 8pt)
Title: Designer (regular 8pt)
Result: Hierarchy maintained even at small size
5

Print Test at Actual Size

Critical check:
  1. Export PDF
  2. Print at 100% (actual size, not “fit to page”)
  3. Read from normal viewing distance
  4. If hard to read, increase size
Viewing distances:
  • Business card: 12-18”
  • Flyer: 18-24”
  • Poster: 3-6 feet
  • Banner: 10-20 feet
Adjust accordingly: Larger viewing distance = larger text needed

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Problem 3: Font Substitution

Symptoms:
  • PDF shows different font than designed
  • Text looks wrong
  • Layout shifted/broken
Cause: Font not embedded, system substituted different font

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Diagnosis

In Adobe Acrobat:
  1. File → Properties
  2. Fonts tab
  3. Check list of fonts
Should show:
Helvetica Neue (Embedded Subset)
Georgia (Embedded Subset)
If shows:
Helvetica Neue (Substituted)
= Font not embedded, substitutedEmpty font list: Text rasterized or fonts missing
Why fonts not embedding:1. Font licensing prohibits embedding:
  • Some fonts legally can’t be embedded
  • Check font license
2. Font not installed when exporting:
  • Figma font missing locally
  • Can’t embed what’s not available
3. Export settings wrong:
  • “Embed fonts” disabled
  • Check Printery settings
4. Font file corrupted:
  • Rare but possible
  • Try reinstalling font
5. Special characters missing:
  • Font doesn’t include character
  • Character substituted

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Solutions

1

Enable Font Embedding

In Printery:Export tab → ✓ Embed fontsAlso enable:
  • ✓ Subset fonts (smaller file size)
Re-export: Generate new PDFVerify: Check PDF fonts tab again
2

Use Embeddable Fonts

Safe choices:Google Fonts: All free to embed
  • Roboto, Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat, etc.
Adobe Fonts: Most embeddable (check individual license)System fonts: Usually embeddable
  • Arial, Helvetica, Times, Georgia
Avoid: Fonts from unknown sources without clear license
3

Convert to Outlines (Last Resort)

If font can’t embed:In Figma:
  1. Select text layer
  2. Right-click → “Flatten Selection”
  3. Text becomes vector shape
Advantages:
  • Appearance preserved exactly
  • No embedding needed
  • Still vector (sharp)
Disadvantages:
  • No longer editable as text
  • Larger file size
  • Can’t search/copy text in PDF
Use when: Font licensing prevents embedding
4

Check Special Characters

If only some characters wrong:Possible cause: Font missing those glyphsCheck:
  • Currency symbols (€, £, ¥)
  • Accented characters (é, ñ, ü)
  • Special punctuation (—, ”, ”)
Solution:
  • Use font that includes needed characters
  • Or use character from different font for those specific symbols

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Problem 4: Text Not Overprinting (White Gaps)

Symptoms:
  • White gaps around black text on colored background
  • Text looks misaligned
  • Registration issues
Cause: Overprint not enabled for black text

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Understanding Overprint

Printing concept:Without overprint (knockout):
  • Background color removed under text
  • Text printed in gap
  • If misaligned = white gap visible
With overprint:
  • Background color prints normally
  • Black text prints on top
  • Small misalignments invisible
Example:
Black text on cyan background
Without overprint: C knocked out, K prints in gap
With overprint: C100 prints, then K100 on top
Result: No registration problems

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Solutions

In Printery:Color tab → Black handling → Overprint blackWhat it does:
  • Automatically sets black objects to overprint
  • Prevents registration gaps
  • Industry standard practice
Re-export: PDF now has overprint enabledVerify: Use Overprint Preview in Acrobat
If Printery doesn’t support:Adobe Acrobat Pro:
  1. Tools → Print Production → Output Preview
  2. Select black text
  3. Set to overprint
  4. Save PDF
Disadvantage: Manual process, not idealBetter: Use Printery’s automatic option
For large black areas (not text):Instead of: K100 (may show pinholes)Use: C60 M40 Y40 K100 (rich black)
  • Deeper black
  • Fills any small gaps
  • Should NOT overprint (knockout)
Text remains: K100 with overprintResult: Best of both - rich areas, safe text

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Problem 5: Text Looks Lighter/Thinner Than Expected

Symptoms:
  • Text appears thinner in print than on screen
  • Light fonts nearly invisible
  • Headlines lack weight
Cause: Ink spread, paper absorption, font weight

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Understanding Ink Gain

Physical printing reality:Ink spreads when hits paper:
  • Absorbs into fibers
  • Spreads beyond intended area
  • Makes everything slightly thicker/darker
Typical gain: 10-20%Effect on text:
  • Heavy text: Gets heavier (good)
  • Light text: May not compensate (looks thin)
  • Thin fonts: Can become too light
Paper type matters:
  • Coated: Less spread (better)
  • Uncoated: More spread
  • Newsprint: Most spread

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Solutions

1

Increase Font Weight

Compensate for print:Replace:
  • Light → Regular
  • Regular → Medium
  • Medium → Semibold
Especially for:
  • Headlines (need impact)
  • Reversed text (white on black)
  • Uncoated paper stock
Test: Print sample to verify
2

Increase Font Size

Make strokes thicker:Larger text = thicker strokes = better visibilityExample:
  • 10pt Light: Too thin
  • 12pt Light: Better
  • 10pt Regular: Better
Adjust as needed: Size + weight together
3

Avoid Ultra-Light Fonts

For print projects:Don’t use:
  • Helvetica Neue UltraLight
  • Roboto Thin
  • Any “Hairline” fonts
Better choices:
  • Regular weight minimum
  • Medium for headlines
  • Bold for emphasis
Exception: Large format (posters, banners) from distance
4

Increase Ink Coverage (Advanced)

For pure black text:Instead of: K100 onlyUse: K100 + C20 (makes slightly denser)
  • More ink = less pinholes
  • Text appears more solid
  • Small difference but helps
Caution: May cause registration issues if misalignedBest for: Large text (>18pt), uncoated paper

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Problem 6: Text Has Color Fringing/Halo

Symptoms:
  • Colored edge around black text
  • Rainbow effect on text
  • Misaligned color layers
Cause: Trapping/registration issue or CMYK black on color background

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Understanding the Problem

Two types of black:Pure black (K100):
  • Single ink (black only)
  • Sharp, clean edges
  • No color fringing
CMYK black (C60 M40 Y40 K100):
  • Four inks combined
  • If misaligned = color fringing
  • Registration critical
For text: Always use pure K100 For areas: Can use CMYK (rich black)
Affects appearance:Overprint (text on top):
  • Black prints over background
  • No fringing
  • Safe
Knockout (text cuts hole):
  • Background removed
  • Text prints in gap
  • If CMYK black + misalignment = fringing
Solution: Pure black text with overprint enabled

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Solutions

1

Use Pure Black for Text

In Figma:Set text color to: R0 G0 B0In Printery:Color tab → Black handling → Preserve blackEnsures: Text stays K100 (pure black)Not converted: To CMYK mixResult: Clean, sharp text with no fringing
2

Enable Overprint

In Printery:Color tab → Overprint black textWhat it does: Black prints on top of backgroundPrevents: Fringing from misalignmentVerify: Overprint Preview in Acrobat shows no fringing
3

Check Trapping (Advanced)

For professional print:Ask printer: “Do you handle trapping?”Most professional printers: Yes (automatic during RIP)What trapping does:
  • Slightly overlaps colors
  • Prevents white gaps
  • Compensates for misalignment
You shouldn’t need: To handle manuallyIf printer doesn’t: Find better printer

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Text Quality Checklist

Before exporting:
  • All text in readable fonts (avoid decorative for small text)
  • Minimum size 7-8pt (6pt absolute minimum)
  • Black text uses pure black (R0 G0 B0), not CMYK mix
  • Font weights appropriate (not ultra-light)
  • High contrast between text and background
  • Special characters present in chosen font
In Printery export settings:
  • Embed fonts: Enabled ✓
  • Subset fonts: Enabled ✓
  • Black handling: Preserve black
  • Overprint black: Enabled ✓
  • DPI: 300 (for images, text is vector)
After exporting:
  • Open PDF, zoom to 400% - text has smooth edges
  • File → Properties → Fonts: All fonts embedded
  • Use Overprint Preview: No white gaps around text
  • Text selectable with cursor (not rasterized)
  • Print test: Text readable at actual size

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When Text Quality Really Matters

Critical for:
  • Business cards (name, contact info must be perfect)
  • Letterhead (professional image)
  • Resumes (readability critical)
  • Legal documents (fine print must be readable)
  • Packaging (ingredient lists, legal text)
  • Books/booklets (pages of body text)
Less critical for:
  • Posters (viewed from distance, size compensates)
  • Banners (large text, outdoor viewing)
  • Stickers (decorative, not informational)
Invest time: In getting text perfect for critical materials

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Learn More

Export Settings

Configure export options correctly

Black Handling

Understanding pure vs rich black

Preflight Checklist

Complete quality control guide

Design to Print

Full workflow tutorial
Golden rule for text: Keep it simple, keep it vector, keep it embedded. 99% of text problems come from rasterization or missing font embedding.