Please keep in mind that when uploading your book file to the Lulu Book Creator tool this should be as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. All common text editing software (such as Word, Adobe, or Google Docs) allows you to create a PDF, but it is important to create your PDF with the correct specifications so that your file is accepted and correctly converts to a print-ready file.



The most common issue encountered when creating a PDF is your choice of font. You may use any fonts you wish in your document, but you must embed the fonts in the PDF to ensure they print properly. Font embedding is the inclusion of font files inside an electronic document. Keep in mind the following:

  • You may not have the printing rights for a font
  • Some fonts are screen fonts meaning they cannot be used for print and you will not be able to embed them in your PDF. Beware, if they do embed, they will not print as they appear on your screen.


If you see this error when creating your book, then you will need to embed your fonts and re-upload the PDF.


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Embedding Fonts in Adobe Products

The easiest way to ensure your PDF prints the way you want with the fonts you want is to use Lulu's Adobe Job Options (attached below) if you are using Adobe products.


The other option is to adjust the settings yourself by going into the PDF settings. These can be accessed through the Preferences > Convert to PDF, or through Edit > Preflight.


Please Note: Adjusting settings in Adobe Acrobat is recommended only for advanced users. The best way to ensure your PDF is created to Lulu's specifications is to use the Lulu Job Options.


  1. On the Fonts tab select Embed all fonts.
  2. For Subset embedded fonts when the percent of characters used is less than: Set the percentage to 1%.
  3. For Embedding, select the folder with the fonts you want to embed from the drop-down list.
  4. Check the "Never Embed Font" box and remove any fonts in the box.

Confirm Fonts are Embedded in your PDF

  1. Open the file using Adobe Reader or Acrobat Pro
  2. Go to File > Properties
  3. Select Fonts and verify that all fonts show (Embedded Subset)



If all fonts used in your document are followed by (Embedded Subset), then your PDF includes all fonts properly embedded and will upload without error.


Pro Tip: While you have your PDF open, scroll through it to make sure your book interior is properly formatted - i.e. page breaks, copyright page, odd and even pages (odd pages on the right side).

Embedding Fonts in a Word Document 


The way you embed fonts depends on the program you are using to create a PDF. Refer to the program’s documentation, such as Microsoft, or search on Google for specific instructions on embedding fonts with the program you are using.


To learn more about how to prepare your file for print-ready conversion, see our Image Formatting: The Basics article and Tips for Formatting Documents.