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Tutorial June 18, 2026 7 min read

Using AMS Fonts in PageMaker & CorelDRAW

Desktop Publishing (DTP) for regional Indian languages requires a specialized workflow. Standard Unicode text works perfectly on websites and mobile applications, but frequently breaks or displays incorrectly when imported into professional graphic design software like Adobe PageMaker, CorelDRAW, or Adobe Illustrator.

To ensure that your designs render perfectly on press-ready plates, you will want to utilize AMS fonts. This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the entire process of setting up, converting, and formatting your text for flawless prints.

Step 1: Install AMS Fonts on Your System

Before opening your DTP software, ensure the necessary AMS fonts are installed on your Windows machine:

  1. Download the desired AMS font family (in TrueType .ttf format).
  2. Right-click the font file and select Install for All Users.
  3. Restart any active design applications so they can index the newly installed fonts.

Step 2: Convert Unicode Text to AMS Layout

Since most content is typed or supplied in standard Unicode (using phonetic keyboards or Microsoft Indic tools), you must convert it into AMS format first:

  1. Copy your Unicode Devanagari text from your web browser, Word document, or email.
  2. Go to our Unicode to AMS Font Converter.
  3. Paste the Unicode text into the input box and click Convert.
  4. Copy the resulting text. The output will look like English gibberish (e.g. "Aja kL"). This is completely normal since AMS fonts map Devanagari characters to ASCII values. To learn more about how Alt codes map to different characters in this layout, check out our AMS Font Typing Guide & Shortcuts.

Step 3: Workflow in CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is the preferred vector layout tool for regional print presses in India. Follow these steps to paste your converted text:

  1. Open your CorelDRAW project file.
  2. Select the Text Tool (F8) and click on your canvas to create a text insertion point.
  3. In the upper font selection bar, choose your installed AMS font (e.g., AMS Calligraphy, AMS India).
  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste your converted text.
  5. The English characters will instantly transform into beautiful, correctly shaped Devanagari words.

Step 4: Workflow in Adobe PageMaker

Adobe PageMaker 7.0 is highly sensitive to font mappings, and disabling auto-correction is critical:

  • Disable Smart Quotes: Go to File > Preferences > General. Click on More, and ensure the Use Typographer's Quotes option is unchecked. If left checked, PageMaker will replace the ASCII single/double quotes with curly quotes, which will scramble the AMS characters.
  • Pasting: Select the Type Tool, set the active font to your installed AMS typeface in the control palette at the bottom of the screen, and paste (Ctrl + V).

Step 5: Pre-Press Optimization (Convert to Curves)

The absolute safest way to send your completed design to the printing press is to convert the text layer into vector paths. This guarantees that even if the printing press computer does not have your specific AMS font installed, the design will print exactly as intended.

  • In CorelDRAW: Select the text blocks and press Ctrl + Q (Convert to Curves).
  • In Adobe Illustrator: Select the text and press Ctrl + Shift + O (Create Outlines).

By following this DTP workflow, you can prevent font rendering errors and produce stunning, professional-grade prints using AMS fonts.

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