> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Text Quality Issues

> Fix blurry, pixelated, or poor-quality text in print PDFs

## Common Text Problems

Text quality is critical for professional printed materials. Poor text rendering can ruin an otherwise perfect design.

<Note>
  **Good news**: Most text issues are easily fixable with correct export settings. Text should always be crisp and sharp in print.
</Note>

## 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

### Understanding Vector vs Raster Text

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Vector Text (Correct)">
    **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
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Raster Text (Wrong)">
    **What it is**:

    * Text converted to pixels/image
    * Fixed resolution
    * Pixelated when zoomed
    * Large file size

    **In PDF**:

    * Text becomes embedded image
    * Quality limited by DPI
    * Jagged edges visible

    **Example**:

    ```
    Text "Hello" at 12pt
    Rasterized at 300 DPI: Pixelated at high zoom
    File size: ~50 KB
    ```

    **Avoid**: Unless special effects require it
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="How to Check">
    **In Adobe Acrobat**:

    1. Open PDF
    2. Zoom to 400-800%
    3. Look at text edges

    **Vector text**: Smooth curves at any zoom
    **Raster text**: Pixelated, jagged edges when zoomed

    **Also check**:

    * File → Properties → Fonts tab
    * Should list embedded fonts
    * If no fonts listed = text rasterized (bad)

    **In Preview (Mac)**:

    1. Open PDF
    2. Zoom to 400%
    3. Try to select text (Text tool)

    **Vector**: Selectable
    **Raster**: Not selectable (it's an image)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Solutions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Solution 1: Ensure Text Not Flattened" icon="font">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Solution 2: Verify Export Settings" icon="file-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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Solution 3: Check DPI Settings" icon="expand">
    **Common confusion**: DPI affects images, not vector text

    **Correct 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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Solution 4: Avoid Problematic Effects" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Solution 5: Font Licensing Issues" icon="scale-balanced">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## 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

### Minimum Readable Sizes

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Print Size Guidelines">
    **Minimum sizes for readability**:

    **Body text**:

    * Minimum: 8pt
    * Recommended: 9-12pt
    * Optimal: 10-11pt

    **Fine print** (disclaimers, etc.):

    * Minimum: 6pt (legal limit for some)
    * Recommended: 7-8pt
    * Below 6pt: Often unreadable

    **Headlines**:

    * Minimum: 14pt
    * Recommended: 18-24pt
    * Large format: 36pt+

    **Business cards**:

    * Name: 10-14pt
    * Title: 8-10pt
    * Contact: 7-9pt
    * Website: 7-8pt minimum

    **Rule**: If you squint to read on screen, too small for print
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Font Choice Matters">
    **Not all fonts equal at small sizes**:

    **Better for small text**:

    * Arial, Helvetica (clean, simple)
    * Georgia, Times (serifs for body text)
    * Open Sans, Roboto (modern sans-serif)
    * Verdana (designed for screen, works print too)

    **Worse for small text**:

    * Decorative fonts (ornate details)
    * Script fonts (thin, flowing)
    * Condensed fonts (letters too narrow)
    * Ultra-light weights (strokes too thin)

    **Example**:

    ```
    8pt Arial: Readable ✓
    8pt Scriptina: Barely readable ✗
    ```

    **Choose wisely**: Legibility > style for small text
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Weight and Style">
    **Affect readability**:

    **Font weight**:

    * Regular: Best for small text
    * Light: Avoid below 10pt
    * Bold: Good for emphasis, use sparingly
    * Heavy/Black: Avoid for body text

    **Style**:

    * Roman/Regular: Most readable
    * Italic: Harder to read small, use sparingly
    * All caps: Harder to read, use only headlines

    **Kerning/Tracking**:

    * Normal: Best for small text
    * Tight: Makes smaller text harder
    * Loose: Wastes space but more readable

    **Stick to defaults**: For text under 10pt
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Solutions

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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" away

    **Maintain style**: Choose readable font within brand guidelines
  </Step>

  <Step title="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?
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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

### Diagnosis

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Check Font Embedding" icon="file-pdf">
    **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, substituted

    **Empty font list**: Text rasterized or fonts missing
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Common Causes" icon="circle-question">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Solutions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Font Embedding">
    **In Printery**:

    Export tab → ✓ **Embed fonts**

    **Also enable**:

    * ✓ Subset fonts (smaller file size)

    **Re-export**: Generate new PDF

    **Verify**: Check PDF fonts tab again
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Special Characters">
    **If only some characters wrong**:

    **Possible cause**: Font missing those glyphs

    **Check**:

    * 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
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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

### Understanding Overprint

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="What is 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
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="When to Use Overprint">
    **Always overprint**:

    * Black text on colored backgrounds
    * Black outlines/strokes
    * Black graphic elements over colors

    **Never overprint**:

    * Colored text (will mix with background)
    * White text (makes invisible)
    * Reversed text (white on black background)

    **Rule**: Only pure black (K100) should overprint
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Check in PDF">
    **Adobe Acrobat**:

    1. View → Overprint Preview
    2. Look at black text on colors
    3. Should NOT show white gaps

    **If white gaps visible**:

    * Overprint not working
    * Registration problems likely in print

    **Fix**: See solutions below
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Solutions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Enable Black Overprint" icon="layer-group">
    **In Printery**:

    Color tab → Black handling → **Overprint black**

    **What it does**:

    * Automatically sets black objects to overprint
    * Prevents registration gaps
    * Industry standard practice

    **Re-export**: PDF now has overprint enabled

    **Verify**: Use Overprint Preview in Acrobat
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Manual Overprint in Acrobat" icon="file-pdf">
    **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 ideal

    **Better**: Use Printery's automatic option
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use Rich Black for Areas" icon="fill">
    **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 overprint

    **Result**: Best of both - rich areas, safe text
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## 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

### Understanding Ink Gain

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="What is 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
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Font Weight Compensation">
    **Screen vs print**:

    **On screen**:

    * Light fonts look elegant
    * Thin strokes visible (backlit)

    **In print**:

    * Light fonts can disappear
    * Thin strokes don't reflect light well
    * Needs more weight

    **Recommendation**:

    * Screen: Regular weight OK
    * Print: Use Medium or Semibold for same visual weight
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Solutions

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Increase Font Size">
    **Make strokes thicker**:

    Larger text = thicker strokes = better visibility

    **Example**:

    * 10pt Light: Too thin
    * 12pt Light: Better
    * 10pt Regular: Better

    **Adjust as needed**: Size + weight together
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Increase Ink Coverage (Advanced)">
    **For pure black text**:

    **Instead of**: K100 only

    **Use**: K100 + C20 (makes slightly denser)

    * More ink = less pinholes
    * Text appears more solid
    * Small difference but helps

    **Caution**: May cause registration issues if misaligned

    **Best for**: Large text (>18pt), uncoated paper
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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

### Understanding the Problem

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="CMYK Black vs Pure Black" icon="fill-drip">
    **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)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Overprint vs Knockout" icon="layer-group">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Solutions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Use Pure Black for Text">
    **In Figma**:

    Set text color to: R0 G0 B0

    **In Printery**:

    Color tab → Black handling → **Preserve black**

    **Ensures**: Text stays K100 (pure black)

    **Not converted**: To CMYK mix

    **Result**: Clean, sharp text with no fringing
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Overprint">
    **In Printery**:

    Color tab → **Overprint black text**

    **What it does**: Black prints on top of background

    **Prevents**: Fringing from misalignment

    **Verify**: Overprint Preview in Acrobat shows no fringing
  </Step>

  <Step title="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 manually

    **If printer doesn't**: Find better printer
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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

***

## 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

***

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Export Settings" icon="file-export" href="/features/export-settings">
    Configure export options correctly
  </Card>

  <Card title="Black Handling" icon="fill-drip" href="/color/black-handling">
    Understanding pure vs rich black
  </Card>

  <Card title="Preflight Checklist" icon="clipboard-check" href="/tutorials/preflight-checklist">
    Complete quality control guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design to Print" icon="print" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    Full workflow tutorial
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Tip>
  **Golden rule for text**: Keep it simple, keep it vector, keep it embedded. 99% of text problems come from rasterization or missing font embedding.
</Tip>