Trying to print pdf files as semi-professional end result

[grant]

i hate pdf files. Nevertheless, they seem to be everywhere.

Other than printing on my own printer, I would like a nicely printed copy for my own use. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I tried lulu, but something about "embed fonts" won't let me upload the file.

The whole thing is frustrating. I would be happy to pay for pdfs to be proper books; some companies refuse.

[6milPhil]

What's the embedding fonts problem?

I've a local copy shop which outputs pdfs and bolts them all together, have a google for similar although if the pdf either doesn't have the fonts embedded it can't be output.

[Billchuck]

I print them at Office Depot.  Bring it in on a flash drive.  They open the file up, you tell them how you want it bound, they print it while you wait.  I get black and white coil bound with a black back and clear cover, it usually runs $10-15.  I think you can even upload it to their website and just pick it up when it's done. 

[grant]

What's the embedding fonts problem?

I've a local copy shop which outputs pdfs and bolts them all together, have a google for similar although if the pdf either doesn't have the fonts embedded it can't be output.

The embedded fonts seem to be the problem. I'm obviously not very tech-y about this.

[gnomehome]

Could the "embedded fonts" problem be a licensing issue ? Not all fonts are free.

[matakishi]

If you make a pdf with out embedding the fonts and the computer you're printing it from doesn't have the fonts installed itself it can't print the document. Embedding the fonts is a simple option to choose when the pdf is originally compiled by the originator.

[6milPhil]

The embedded fonts seem to be the problem. I'm obviously not very tech-y about this.

Its basically implanting a copy of all fonts used into the pdf. Try this: https://blogs.mtu.edu/gradschool/2010/04/27/how-to-determine-if-fonts-are-embedded/

[Malebolgia]

Not all fonts can be imbedded into a PDF (http://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/41751/why-wont-a-font-allow-embedding-in-a-pdf-will-it-print-right-anyway). One way to circumvent this is to add certain fonts as images. I do this for things like covers: design them in Photoshop and then place them in the document in InDesign. That way it's an image and not a font anymore. But that isn't really an option once the font is used throughout the whole book...

But if you need help with the document, I can take a look at the PDF on my computer (and of course delete it afterwards), maybe I can help out with the fonts.

[grant]

It's the Chain of Command SCW pdf. I've asked and they don't plan to print it, so if can get it done at a nice level is be happy.

[6milPhil]

Not all fonts can be imbedded into a PDF

Aye I know, I was keeping it simple for Grant with an eye on moving on to that if need be... 

[grant]

Aye I know, I was keeping it simple for Grant with an eye on moving on to that if need be... 

I'll probably just play around with acrobat and make a "booklet" out of it. I think I can handle that.

I wish Lardies would just print it nicely!

[grant]

it seems to be a case of lardies fixing up the file quite easily and then replacing the old one with the new one where they sell it and slinging one your way for nix.

Eh? Sorry don't understand the slang 

[Too Bo Coo]

I work in higher ed and we have a very generous policy about using the university laser printers.  So I color print the pdf's and then take them next door to the print shop where they bind them with covers for 3 euro.  Works great!

[grant]

Sent it to Staples $14 coil bound. Not bad really. Saved 24c by not printing the Empress ad at the back  

My wife's comment: "Did they need to put TooFatLardies on the cover?" She had no idea it was the company. 

[6milPhil]

Excellent.