Characters in text strings display on top of each other or in reverse italics when exported to PDF, EPS or AI

Description

Text strings from inserted EMF pictures in maps exported to PDF, EPS or AI display the characters garbled, on top of each other, incorrect kerning and/or with reverse italics.Text looks like the following on screen in ArcMap:Text looks like the following when exported to PDF, EPS or AI:

Cause

This is a known issue.

These text strings are a part of inserted EMF pictures that were originally created in 3rd party graphics applications such as Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator.

They have had either manual text stretching and/or a text transformation applied.

Workaround

1. Select the text string.
2. Navigate to Type > Create Outlines.