Invalidfont errors show up for a number of reasons but such errors are obviously always font related.

• Invalidfont errors can occur when a file contains an invalid font name or dictionary or a corrupted or improperly formed font dictionary.
• When a file containing recent types of fonts (like OpenType fonts) are send to older RIPs, this can also lead to “invalidfont” errors

Solutions

To avoid problems with corrupted fonts, replace or reinstall the font on the RIP and/or computer.

Older versions of Harlequin’s ScriptWorks software as well as a few Adobe PostScript-based RIPs that were not properly configured by Adobe’s OEMs cannot handle PDF files that contain Type1-based OpenType fonts (Type 1 fonts with CID double-byte encoding). Such encodings will cause an “invalidfont” error on the RIP. Besides not using such fonts, there are two possible solutions for this problem:

1. Upgrade the RIP.
2. Try creating the printfile or PDF file in another fashion. For Indesign for example, you should use Acrobat Distiller instead of exporting to PDF from within InDesign itself.

Sometimes the full PostScript error message states: PostScript error “invalidfont” offending command “findfont”. Click here to take a look at the “findfont” information I have.

PostScript error “invalidfont” offending command “awidthshow” is also a clearly documented problem. Click here for more information.