How to use the command 'pdffonts' (with examples)
The pdffonts command is a useful utility for extracting and listing information regarding fonts used within Portable Document Format (PDF) files. It is part of the Xpdf suite of tools, and provides critical insights for professionals dealing with typography, document formatting, or digital security within PDFs. By using pdffonts, users can understand font dependencies, assess potential licensing issues, troubleshoot document appearance related inquiries, and evaluate the security settings related to the use of fonts in a PDF document. It offers detailed information about each font embedded in or referenced by the PDF.
Use case 1: Print PDF file fonts information
Code:
pdffonts path/to/file.pdf
Motivation:
Understanding which fonts are used in a PDF document is crucial for several reasons, such as ensuring that the document appears correctly on all devices, verifying that the fonts are properly licensed, and troubleshooting any issues related to missing fonts or incorrect font rendering.
Explanation:
pdffonts: This is the command to invoke the tool.path/to/file.pdf: This argument specifies the location and name of the PDF file from which you want to extract font information. It is the input file path.
Example output:
name type encoding emb sub uni object ID
------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- --- --- --- ---------
Times-Roman Type 1C WinAnsi yes yes yes 11 0
Helvetica Type 1C WinAnsi yes yes yes 12 0
Courier Type 1 WinAnsi no no yes 13 0
Use case 2: Specify user password for PDF file to bypass security restrictions
Code:
pdffonts -upw password path/to/file.pdf
Motivation:
Certain PDF files are encrypted to restrict access and editing. By specifying the user password, you can bypass these restrictions, allowing pdffonts to access information that might otherwise be inaccessible. This is particularly useful for secure documents that require analysis or modification by authorized individuals.
Explanation:
-upw: This option allows you to provide the user password for the PDF which might be required to access the content if the PDF is password-protected.password: This represents the actual user password needed to decrypt the PDF.path/to/file.pdf: The path to the PDF file that is password-protected and requires font information extraction.
Example output:
name type encoding emb sub uni object ID
------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- --- --- --- ---------
Arial TrueType Custom yes yes yes 21 0
Courier-Bold Type 1 Custom yes no yes 22 0
Use case 3: Specify owner password for PDF file to bypass security restrictions
Code:
pdffonts -opw password path/to/file.pdf
Motivation:
Some PDFs not only require a user password for viewing but also an owner password for making modifications, extracting content, or viewing certain protected parts like font information. By using the owner password, you can access these restricted components, enabling modifications and analysis needed for document preparation and dissemination.
Explanation:
-opw: This flag indicates the input of an owner password, which is essential when dealing with PDFs where standard user access is restricted.password: The specific owner password required to gain full access to the document.path/to/file.pdf: The target PDF file safeguarded with an owner password.
Example output:
name type encoding emb sub uni object ID
------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- --- --- --- ---------
Verdana TrueType WinAnsi yes yes no 31 0
Times-Italic Type 1 Custom yes no yes 32 0
Use case 4: Print additional information on location of the font that will be used when the PDF file is rasterized
Code:
pdffonts -loc path/to/file.pdf
Motivation:
When converting a PDF into an image format (rasterizing), knowing where the fonts are located allows ensuring that the highest quality version is used, avoiding potential substitution or aliasing issues. It is especially essential for graphic designers and print professionals who need control over document rendering.
Explanation:
-loc: This option triggers the inclusion of location details about each font in terms of where it will be used when the PDF is rasterized.path/to/file.pdf: Indicates the file name and location of the document being examined.
Example output:
name type emb sub uni object ID location
------------------------------------ ----------------- --- --- --- --------- ----------------
Helvetica-Bold Type 1 yes yes yes 41 0 C:\Fonts
TimesNewRoman TrueType yes yes no 42 0 /usr/share/fonts
Use case 5: Print additional information on location of the font that will be used when the PDF file is converted to PostScript
Code:
pdffonts -locPS path/to/file.pdf
Motivation:
Transforming a PDF into a PostScript file can be delicate because it demands precise font handling. Knowing the fonts’ location can confirm their availability and correctness for accurate printing or publishing purposes, which is vital for pre-press operators and those involved in desktop publishing.
Explanation:
-locPS: This switch adds information on where the fonts are found for use during the conversion to PostScript, ensuring that PostScript files maintain the proper appearance.path/to/file.pdf: Specifies the PDF file in question.
Example output:
name type emb sub uni object ID location
------------------------------------ ----------------- --- --- --- --------- ----------------
Courier-Oblique Type 1 yes no yes 51 0 D:\PostScriptFonts
Georgia TrueType yes yes no 52 0 ~/.fonts
Conclusion:
The pdffonts command is a highly valuable tool for anyone dealing with PDF file fonts, whether for managing document consistency, security, or preparation for high-quality output. By leveraging the various functionalities it offers, users can precisely understand and handle font usage, ensure compliance with document specifications, and resolve any issues related to font embedding and display. Each use case offers a different lens through which the depth and utility of pdffonts are thoroughly illustrated, ensuring that users can employ it effectively in their specific context.
