Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 40732
Export to PDF embeds font with "no-embed" flag
Last modified: 2013-02-07 22:04:58 UTC
I was making some test documents comparing "Export to PDF" vs printing to Adobe Distiller. Distiller refused to embed a font because it contained a "don't embed me" flag, but Export to PDF embedded it anyway. It's up to you what you want to do about this, but the font vendors might not be too happy if they found out about it. The specific font in question was Lucida Bright, from the Java SDK (most Linux distributions seem to include it, and I think OS-X also has it). Given the relationship between ooo and Sun, they might want this fixed.
reassigned to HI.
hello rbean, thanks for reporting this! just a quick question: do you know how to determine this "don't embed me" flag for a certain font? thank you in advance, Max, OOo Volunteer
I don't know the details, but it should be in the Truetype specs. Here's some code that flips the bits to allow embedding, it should give you some hints about where to look: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/twm/embed/embed.c This page has links to the Truetype specs (MSWord format): http://www.microsoft.com/typography/SpecificationsOverview.mspx
Issue type is changed from defect to enhancement.
I have to say that this issue is a clear defect, not an enhancement. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Restricted License embedding Fonts that have this flag set must not be modified, embedded or exchanged in any manner without first obtaining permission of the legal owner. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is a very old issue. Hasn't this been fixed yet? I couldn't find a font with Restricted license embedding to test it.
I tested it, embedding of fonts with restricted license works. But I do not agree to change the behavior in the sort to make it impossible to embed these type of fonts. I think it may not be the decision of the software, but of the user whether he does embed the font. License restrictions may not apply in some countries, so it would be a drawback if the software could not do it. OOo could issue a warning when restricted fonts are to be embedded and could leave the choice to the user. Also, other PDF creator utilities do allow embedding restricted fonts as well, which I see as a hint that the sole function of a software doing this is not illegal as such. However, I need to point out that I am not a jurist. So it may be a good advice to discuss this matter with an industrial lawyer.
I am no longer officially active on OOo. Please take over.
Created attachment 73357