Text Overlaps After Plotting or Publishing
Text spacing or character width changes enough in the output that labels collide or run outside their intended area. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
Symptoms — confirm exactly what is wrong
- Text spacing or character width changes enough in the output that labels collide or run outside their intended area.
- Check whether all text is affected or only one text style/font.
- Compare the same sample in AutoCAD, Plot Preview and the final PDF so you know when the substitution begins.
Beginner rule: Change one setting at a time. After each change, repeat the same test so you know what actually fixed the problem.
30-second triage: Run STYLE and identify the actual font behind the affected text. If Preview is already wrong, fix the drawing/font environment. If Preview is right but PDF is wrong, inspect PDF font handling.
Likely causes — check these in order
| Likely cause | Why it creates this symptom | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Font substitution differs at output | A substitute font can change width, weight and character shapes. | Compare the text style/font on the working and affected computer. |
| Source font is missing | AutoCAD substitutes or fails to display a missing SHX/TrueType font. | Run STYLE and inspect the affected text style for a missing-font warning. |
| PDF font handling differs | Capture Fonts or Convert Text to Geometry can change how text is represented in the PDF. | Open PDF Options and inspect Font Handling. |
| Metric/imperial units are being mixed | A scale list or custom scale is being interpreted in the wrong unit context. | Check drawing units, viewport custom scale and the intended plotted unit convention. |
For the underlying setup behind these checks, use AutoCAD PDF Fonts: Capture Fonts vs Convert Text to Geometry and Text Missing from PDF: Causes and Fixes while you diagnose the symptom.
Diagnostic path — isolate the responsible setting
Work through the checks in order. Do not apply a fix until its diagnostic check differs from the known-good project standard.
Diagnostic 1 — Font substitution differs at output
Where: Command line > STYLE, then inspect the affected text style/font.
Do this: Compare the text style/font on the working and affected computer.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 2 — Source font is missing
Where: Command line > STYLE, then inspect the affected text style/font.
Do this: Run STYLE and inspect the affected text style for a missing-font warning.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 3 — PDF font handling differs
Where: PDF PC3 Properties / Export to PDF Options > Font Handling.
Do this: Open PDF Options and inspect Font Handling.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 4 — Metric/imperial units are being mixed
Where: Drawing units/scale standard, then viewport Properties > Custom Scale.
Do this: Check drawing units, viewport custom scale and the intended plotted unit convention.
Check: If this also matches the known-good setup, use the isolation test below instead of changing unrelated settings.
Fixes — use only the fix that matches your diagnosis
Fix 1 — Remove unintended font substitution
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Font substitution differs at output.
Do this: Use the required source font where licensing allows, or deliberately replace the text style with an approved available font and recheck layout widths.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Fix 2 — Install or replace the missing font
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Source font is missing.
Do this: Install the required TrueType font in the OS or place the required SHX in an AutoCAD support/font path. Reopen the drawing and verify STYLE.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Fix 3 — Choose the correct PDF font option
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that PDF font handling differs.
Do this: Use the office-approved Capture Fonts or Convert Text to Geometry strategy and retest a font-heavy sheet.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Fix 4 — Correct the unit/scale relationship
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Metric/imperial units are being mixed.
Do this: Verify drawing units and viewport Custom Scale. Recreate the viewport scale using the correct metric or imperial convention rather than compensating at plot time.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Verification — prove the fix before full production
- Reopen STYLE and confirm the intended SHX/TrueType font is available.
- Run Plot Preview on a sample containing the affected text and symbols.
- Create a PDF and compare typeface, width, weight and special characters.
- If searchability matters, test PDF search/select behavior under the approved font strategy.
Still not fixed? Use an isolation test
Open the same DWG on a workstation known to have the office fonts, then create the PDF with the same preset. A different result strongly points to font installation/substitution or PDF font handling.
Prevention — reduce the chance of recurrence
- Standardize approved office TrueType and SHX fonts and deploy them consistently.
- Keep font files and support paths under CAD/IT control where licensing permits.
- Use one font test sheet that includes normal text and special symbols.
- Document the PDF policy for Capture Fonts, Convert Text to Geometry and PDFSHX.
Official Autodesk references
Use these references when the interface, driver or plot-style behavior on your workstation differs from the checks above.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first?
Start with Font substitution differs at output. Use the quick check in the diagnostic section before changing anything else.
What if that check is correct?
Move to Source font is missing. The goal is to eliminate causes one at a time, not to change several settings together.
Should I use Fit to Paper for a font problem?
No. Fit to Paper changes sheet scale; it does not repair a missing font, substitution or PDF font-handling problem.
Explore more in CAD Printing & Plotting Troubleshooting.