SVG text changes on PNG export: check font fallback before handoff

Naming a font in an SVG does not put the font file inside the image. If the recipient or image-export environment cannot obtain it, fallback glyphs may appear. Diagnose that dependency with fixed text and canvas dimensions before choosing editable text, an approved path copy or a checked PNG.

Keep an editable master, establish the font licence and receiving environment, and compare glyphs, line width and complete text at the same dimensions. The current SVG-to-PNG tool decodes the SVG and draws a canvas; it does not embed fonts or convert text to paths. Preserve source text separately when delivering approved outlines or a raster image.

A family name requests a font; it does not attach one

The [SVG font-family definition](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Reference/Attribute/font-family) describes a prioritized list of named or generic families. A name in the source states a request, rather than proving the exporter has that font.

The [CSS font-selection documentation](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/Reference/Properties/font-family) also describes fallback per character. Supporting Latin letters does not establish support for every currency symbol, mathematical sign or character in another writing system. A whole line changing shape and a few missing glyphs therefore need separate checks.

If text stays correct but a photograph disappears, use the [external-image dependency comparison](/blog/svg-export-missing-external-image-data-url). This exercise varies font selection without repeating that missing-resource case.

Change only the family list in three small specimens

The original teaching pack contains no client marks or external font files. Each SVG is 480×120 with the same MWMW 2026 text, size 48, position (20,82), dark text and white background. KitNelo NeverInstalled 73591 is an intentionally invented unavailable name, not a font product to install.

The complete missing-mono.svg appears below. For mono.svg, change only font-family to monospace. For missing-serif.svg, keep the invented first name and change the final fallback to serif. Changing size, spacing or export dimensions at the same time would make the comparison inconclusive.

Inspect actual PNGs before interpreting a device difference

The current implementation decodes SVG as an image and draws a PNG canvas. [MDN’s SVG image-context restrictions](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Guides/SVG_as_an_image) distinguish this context from an independently viewed document. A web editor loading a remote font does not establish that the image converter can use the same resource.

Open [SVG to PNG](/tools/svg-to-png), paste each source and choose Start conversion. Associate every download with its source name so repeated converted.png downloads cannot obscure the comparison.

Choose Download result and reopen each PNG. Check actual 480×120 dimensions, complete MWMW 2026 text, baseline and right margin. A page thumbnail’s displayed width is not a file-dimension check.

Compare missing-mono with mono in the same exporter, then compare missing-serif. Equality in the first pair and a difference in the third is consistent with fallback selection; it does not prove an original design font was embedded.

Choose editable content or a fixed approved appearance

The [Inkscape text guide](https://inkscape-manuals.readthedocs.io/en/latest/text.html) documents text converted to paths. That supports an alternative workflow; this article does not report running Inkscape. Confirm the font’s use and delivery permission before making a path copy.

Outlines or PNGs can reduce font dependencies at the recipient, while sacrificing text editing, searching or accessible reading. Provide accessible text separately when the publication requires it; a picture should not carry all the information.

Return to the master according to the visible symptom

For canvas geometry, continue with the [SVG pixel and viewBox check](/blog/svg-to-png-export-pixels-viewbox). More output pixels cannot turn a missing font into the original font, and format changes cannot correct a source spelling error. Retain the master, approved reference, export environment and final file; check again when the receiving environment changes.