Why can't Preview display pdf 1.5 files correctly ? A bug ?

I have been trying to figure out why Preview and Safari have a problem with some PDF files. The problem is that some text is not shown in the correct font. Text which should be in bold, italic or bold italic serif font (e.g. Times New Roman) is being shown in plain sans serif (e.g. Arial regular).
I have found that the PDF files causing problems were created in Acrobat/PDF 1.5 format. Files created with PDF 1.4 or earlier seem fine. The software used to create the file doesn't seem to make any difference. I have tested files created with Distiller, MS Office etc. and the only consistent feature of problem files is PDF 1.5.
The problem affects printing from Preview as well.
Acrobat Reader (v10.0.2) is displaying and printing these files with no problems !
Has anyone else found this ? Is this a bug in OS X ?
Many thanks
Garry

It is not that uncommon to have to use Adobe Reader for some pdf files instead of Preview, their capabilities are just not identical.
You can report the problem to Apple here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Similar Messages

Why can I not convert pdf into word file?

why can I not convert pdf into word file?

This is not a feature of Adobe Reader. You'll need either Acrobat or a subscription to one of the web-based services that Adobe offers (like PDF Pack) to do it.

Why can't safari display pdf files?

I recently updated Safari to 5.1 and Adobe Reader to 10.1.1. on OS X10.6.8. Now Safari just shows me a flat gray screen when I browse to a location that's a pdf file. Can't say which of the two updates actually broke the function. Used to work, although it's broken like this before. Adobe web site recognizes the general problem and says go to Adobe Help/Repair... but that doens't seem to exist in the current version. Also says to delete Reader and reinstall if the first didn't work, but neigher of those had any effect. Some other references to the same or similar problems in here but I didn't see any useful suggestions.
I can successfully open the pages in question with Chrome, so it's not the source.
Any ideas? Thanks!

>>nothing really works here, am I correct?
for most pdf's & the way they're served up - the built-in pdf support works fine.
a few will require adobe reader to display correcttly or allow form filling - and for safari 5.1, that measn download & open in Reader.
pdf's within a page using embed or object or iframe seem not to display with the built-in support, and for those, the schubertit plugin apparently works ok.
if you link to a problem pdf & say which OS X & safari version, + remove any pdf plugins for now - we can hopefully see what's going on.

Why can't I print PDF documents from Safari correctly

When we go online to get our credit card statements they are always in PDF format. My husband likes a paper copy so he can reconcile himself. When we print the document all we get are six very mini copies in the upper left corner of an 81/2 x 11 sheet.
This didn't use to be the case and I'm wondering if it has to do with Mavericks or an update to Safari. Does anyone know of a solution?

Logon to the website then click to "View" statements.
Then from the Safari menu bar click File > Export as PDF
Then print the PDF file that was downloaded to your Mac's hard drive.

Why can't I open PDF files on iMac?

Why can't I use PDF files on my iMac or iPad ?

Here are some PDFs you may want to try http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/cic-ombudsman/
I can open them in my browser, but when I save them they are blank. Those emailed to me don't open. I get this error message:
Please wait...
If this message is not eventually replaced by the proper contents of the document, your PDF viewer may not be able to display this type of document.
You can upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Reader for Windows®, Mac, or Linux® by visiting http://www.adobe.com/go/reader_download.
For more assistance with Adobe Reader visit http://www.adobe.com/go/acrreader.
Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.
I'm using Mac OSX 10.9.2 and latest version of Adobe Reader on a Macbook Air. I've tried Preview, Pages, Mail, PDF Signer. All give the same error message.
Here's what the folks at PDF signer told me a couple of days ago:
That PDF document was created using Adobe LiveCycle Designer and contains
proprietary Adobe data (known as XFA forms) that is not part of the PDF
specifications. This PDF document will only open in Adobe products (Acrobat
and Reader), all other PDF viewers/editors are unable to open these kind of
documents (e.g. it won't open in the Mac's "Preview" application as well).
Unfortunately, Adobe uses this to promote their own products instead of
providing the information and tools for other PDF engines to use these
documents.

Why can't I open PDFs anymore and Adobe Reader won't install.

Why can't I open PDFs anymore and Adobe Reader won't install? This happens only in Safari. I have tried changing my security preferences but it doesn't help.

missyzz,
which version of OS X is installed on your Mac, and which version of Adobe Reader do you have installed? Did you ensure that all of your browsers were not running when you’d installed Adobe Reader?
To use Preview to open PDFs, download the PDFs to your Mac, and then use Preview to open the PDFs locally. Since you can open PDFs in Firefox, it sounds like you don’t need the Preview workaround.

Why can I not open PDF-files in InDesign CS4?

Hi,
Well then, as I wrote in the headline... Why can I not open PDF-files?
I get a notification that says that either the file is already open (which it's not) or it is missing a plug-in thingy for this kind of file.
So, how do I know which plug-in thing I should chose from Adobe which will solve my problem?
Could it be enough just to update the program? I tried with 6.0.6. upgrade but it wouldn't even open up. I'm not so good at this type of computerproblems (choosing upgrades, plug-in etc.). The program is not upgraded for a long time, unless it do it automatically, but I think we've chosen it not to....
Please help!
/S

See: Zanelli Multipage Importer
http://indesignsecrets.com/zanelli-releases-multipageimporter-for-importing-both-pdf-and-i ndd-files.php/comment-page-1

I subscribed to Adobe PDF Pack, why can't I convert Pdf files to doc and/or jepg with my acrobat reader XI

I subscribed to Adobe PDF Pack, why can't I convert Pdf files to doc and/or jepg with my acrobat reader XI
I purchased the Pack three days ago, asked to sign in. when I try to sign in, I am led to a page to purchase the program.
What do I need to do to activate my subscribtion, so it will work with my reader XI?

Hi helmutb86458194,
Did you have an update for us? Your response came through blank...
Best,
Sara

Why can't I open pdf files allthough having adobe reader 9 preinstalled on my new windows 7 laptop?

Hi!
I think my question might be simple to answer, so please if you read this give it a try...
I just bought a new laptop with windows 7 on it. Adobe Reader 9 was allready installed. I wanted to open simple pdf files, but I got the message "Adobe Reader ?" in an empty field that pops up.
Why can't I open pdf files? Do I also need to install the Adobe Flash Player as well?
I would be very glad if you could give me a hint.
Thanx

It appears as if Adobe Reader is not correctly installed. Try installing the latest version 9.2 from http://get.adobe.com/reader/ - make sure that you uncheck any unwanted software bundled with the download.
P.S. no, you don't need Flash Player to open PDF files.

Why can't I open pdf file? Get a black box with a white x in the upper left hand corner that won't

Why can't I open pdf file? Get a black box with a white x in the upper left hand corner that won't open either

I get the same thing... no matter what site i try to pull a pdf for IE10, it gives me the black x... if i use chrome it works, but my client does not want to use a different browser.
I followed the guide that Pat posted... nothing worked... I have uninstalled and reinstalled Java, Adobe reader, Adobe flash,.. upgraded to IE11, then back to IE10 due to medical software that is not compatable with IE11...
The kicker is that my Admin profile works just fine.. no issues.. so i know it has something to do with his profile....
Please.. someone... help!!!

Why can't I open PDF files created in Adobe X using Adobe XI? How do I fix this?

Why can't I open PDF files created using Adobe X in Adobe XI?

I try and open them in Reader (double left click on the file) and all I get is a single screen with two overlapping frames neither of which have anything to do with the subject although the presentation title is at the top. One of the frames had "Adobemail.com" on it. Our work computers were recently up-graded to Adobe XI and this was the first time I tried to open a presentation that has worked fine in the past. I would have thought that Adobe XI would have been backward compatible, but it doesn't seem so. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have an 08:00 First-Aid class tomorrow and need this presentation. Apparently Adobe forums are off-line for up-grades. Thanks
[private data removed]

Why can I highlight some pdf files and not others

Why can I highlight some pdf files and not others

Highlighting only works on text documents; a scanned document (image) cannot be highlighted.

Why can't I open pdf's after install of adobe reader? Should I see it in system preferences?

Why can't I open pdf's after install of adobe reader? Should I see it in system preferences?

There are can be reasons PDFs cannot be opened. For example, some forms created with Lifecycle Designer cannot be opened.
Are you sure the file is a PDF? Can you open it in Adobe Reader or Acrobat on a Mac or PC? Does it give an error message when you try to open it?

Why can't I make PDF usinf word perfect???

Why can't I make PDF usinf word perfect???

Hi,
Word Perfect fils are not supported by Create PDF tool. Please download Adobe CreatePDF Desktop Printer and install it on your Windows then print your file in Word Perfect applicaiton using the printer.
To install Adobe CreatePDF Desktop Printer
Log into https://createpdf.acrobat.com/signin.html with your Adobe ID and password
Select “Convert to PDF” tool from right pane
Click “Download CreatePDF Desktop Tool” link
Click “Download Installer” button
Click “AdobeCreatePDFDesktopPrinterSetup.exe” file
During the installation , you need to enter your Adobe ID and password
Note: If your Windows is Win 7 SP1 you may need a hotfix to update inetpp.dll file and please see more information at
http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat-com/kb/createpdf-desktop-printer-windows-7.html
Thank you.
Hisami

Why can't I open and retrieve my files from iPhoto and my address book after importing the files from my Power mac G5 to my new Mac Pro? I get a warning that says the new OS on my Pro doesn't open files from a Power Mac. Any idea how I can fix this?

Why can't I open and retrieve my files from iPhoto and my Address Book after importing the files from my Power Mac G5 to my new Mac Pro? I get a warning that says the new OS on my Pro doesn't open files from a Power Mac. Any idea how I can fix this?

For your addressbook, export the files to vCard on the PowerMac, then bring them over to your Mac Pro. For your iPhoto, copy the Users -> yourname -> Pictures folder to your Desktop on the Mac Pro, and open iPhoto on the Mac Pro holding the command and option keys. Select the library file from that Pictures folder and open it. It should import all the pictures into iPhoto as part of the rebuild process. Other PowerPC to Intel migration issues are covered here: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2295

Why can't Preview display pdf 1.5 files correctly ? A bug ?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for